NPFL: Shooting Stars Make History as Ilechukwu Outshines Finidi, Rangers Win Title on Final Day

Enugu Rangers secured the Nigeria Premier Football League title with a 2‑1 win over Ikorodu City on the final matchday, according to Afrik‑Foot.

Heading into Gameweek 38, Rangers were one point ahead of Rivers United at the top of the table, meaning a victory was required to clinch the championship. The match was against an Ikorodu City side also fighting for continental qualification, making the task difficult.

Despite the challenge, Fidelis Ilechukwu’s squad produced a 2‑1 result. Chidiebere Nwobodo scored twice, while Moses Bada’s 58th‑minute goal for the hosts was only a consolation.

Rivers United, meanwhile, won 3‑0 at home to Katsina United, with goals from Chijioke Mbaoma and Aniekeme Okon. However, the result was insufficient; Rangers finished the season with 68 points, one ahead of Rivers United’s 67.

Coach Finidi and his team will now aim for a place in the CAF Champions League qualifiers.

Shooting Stars Make History

Outside the title race, a contest for the final CAF Confederation Cup spot was fought between Shooting Stars and Ikorodu City. The top two teams qualify for the Champions League, while the third‑placed team and the FA Cup winner secure Confederation Cup berths.

Shooting Stars led Ikorodu City by two points for third place but still required a win away at Niger Tornadoes to guarantee qualification.

In an unexpected turn, both sides lost. Shooting Stars fell 1‑0 to Niger Tornadoes, but Ikorodu City also suffered defeat, allowing the Ibadan club to retain third place with 60 points.

This result means Shooting Stars will participate in continental competition for the first time since 1999.

Remo Stars Relegated from NPFL, Kano Pillars Survive

Reigning NPFL champions Remo Stars were relegated after a disastrous campaign.

They needed a win against Bendel Insurance in their final match to stay up but only managed a 1‑1 draw. They finished level on points with Kwara United but were relegated due to a worse goal difference.

The drop is a sharp decline for a club considered one of the best‑run sports organisations in the country.

Remo Stars join El‑Kanemi Warriors, Bayelsa United, and Wikki Tourists in relegation.

Had Remo Stars and El‑Kanemi won their respective fixtures against Bendel Insurance and Enyimba, Kano Pillars—who finished just one point above the drop zone—would have been relegated after a 1‑0 loss at Plateau United.

Enyimba, Kun Khalifat FC, Warri Wolves, and Niger Tornadoes were also involved in the relegation battle but secured their top‑flight status by winning their final games.