NPFL Standings: Rangers International end eight-year drought with Ilechukwu's first title

Rangers International have been crowned Nigerian champions for the first time in eight years.

The Flying Antelopes secured the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) title with a game to spare after a 2-0 victory over Bendel Insurance at the Cathedral in Enugu.

Goals from Augustine Agu Kenechukwu and Chidiebere Nwobodo in either half were enough to seal the win and the league trophy.

Rangers' triumph comes after a barren spell, with their last NPFL title coming back in 2016.

But manager Fidelis Ilechukwu has ended that drought, clinching his first-ever NPFL title.

The manager, known as the working one, had previously finished as runner-up twice with MFM and Plateau United before finally getting his hands on the trophy.

Rangers' success was also helped by dropped points from their title rivals Enyimba, Remo Stars and Shooting Stars.

The win means the Enugu-based side has now won the NPFL a total of eight times, cementing their status as one of Nigeria's top clubs.

Only dethroned rivals, Enyimba, have won more NPFL titles than the Flying Antelopes in the Football League.

Enyimba’s win in the 2022/2023 season under the guidance of former Super Eagles boss Finidi George saw them extend their record to nine NPFL titles.