The 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League season ended in dramatic fashion on Sunday as Rangers International secured a record-equalling ninth league title after defeating Ikorodu City 2-1 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
Captain Chidiebere Nwobodo scored twice in the first half to hand the Flying Antelopes their second NPFL crown in three seasons and their ninth overall title, drawing level with Enyimba International as the most successful clubs in league history.
The defeat was particularly painful for Ikorodu City, who suffered their first home loss in two seasons and narrowly missed out on qualification for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup after finishing fourth with 58 points.
Rangers ended the campaign with 68 points, one ahead of Rivers United, who defeated Katsina United 3-0 in Port Harcourt but fell short in the title race.
Despite missing out on the league crown, Rivers United, coached by Finidi George, qualified alongside Rangers for next season’s CAF Champions League.
Meanwhile, Shooting Stars SC booked a place in the CAF Confederation Cup despite suffering a 1-0 defeat to Niger Tornadoes in Minna, where Abdulrasheed Dabia converted a decisive penalty to preserve Tornadoes’ top-flight status.In Jos, Plateau United defeated Kano Pillars 1-0 through a late strike from Victor Dawa, while Warri Wolves edged Abia Warriors 2-1 in Ozoro.
Barau FC wrapped up their campaign with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Nasarawa United in Kano, while Kun Khalifat completed a remarkable survival escape after rallying from behind to beat already relegated Wikki Tourists 3-1 in Owerri.
One of the biggest shocks of the season was the relegation of defending champions Remo Stars. The Sky Blue Stars appeared safe while leading Bendel Insurance 1-0 in Benin before Chijioke Akuneto scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to condemn them to relegation to the Nigeria National League.
Remo Stars thus became only the third club after Shooting Stars in 1999 and Bayelsa United in 2010 to be relegated a season after winning the league title.Victor Mbaoma’s goal for Remo Stars took his tally to 14 for the season, level with Rangers striker Godwin Obaje in the race for the golden boot.
Elsewhere, El Kanemi Warriors were relegated after a 3-0 defeat to Enyimba in Aba, while already relegated Bayelsa United ended their campaign on a high with a 4-0 victory over Kwara United in Yenagoa.