ENUGU — The historic streets of Enugu erupted into a sea of red and white on Tuesday as thousands of ecstatic football fans turned out to welcome their heroes, Rangers International FC. Fresh off their dramatic final-day victory in Lagos, the newly crowned Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions held an elaborate trophy parade to celebrate their historic ninth domestic title.
The procession, which kicked off at noon from the Rangers Camp, saw the players, coaching staff, and club officials riding an open-top vehicle, triumphantly hoisting the coveted NPFL silverware.
A City Painted Red and White
As the motorcade wound its way through major metropolitan areas, the atmosphere in the Coal City was nothing short of electric. Jubilant supporters lined the avenues, chanting club anthems, beating drums, and waving flags to catch a glimpse of the squad that defied the odds.
The parade culminated in a massive gathering at the iconic Independence Layout’s Okpara Square. Addressing the roaring crowd, technical adviser Fidelis Ilechukwu, who has now delivered his second league crown in three seasons for the club, praised the unwavering faith of the Enugu faithful.
”This victory belongs to the people of Enugu,” an emotional Ilechukwu said. “We felt your prayers all the way in Lagos, and returning home to this unbelievable reception makes every drop of sweat worth it.”
Following the public spectacle, the team proceeded to the Government House, where they were officially hosted by the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. Governor Mbah, who has been highly commended for heavily motivating the side throughout the campaign, congratulated the team for restoring the pride of the South-East.
How the Title Was Won
The Flying Antelopes secured the 2025/26 championship on Sunday, May 24, following a nerve-wracking 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City FC at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
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Going into the final Matchday 38 fixture, Rangers held a slender one-point advantage over a relentless Rivers United. Knowing that anything short of a win could ruin their title ambitions against an Ikorodu City side previously unbeaten on home turf, Rangers relied on captain Chidiebere Nwobodo, who scored a brilliant brace to secure the title.
Rivers United’s emphatic 3-0 victory against Katsina United in Port Harcourt proved academic, as Rangers finished at the apex of the log with 68 points. Etched into Football FolkloreFounded in 1970 shortly after the Nigerian Civil War, Rangers International stands as a monumental symbol of resilience and the “Never-Say-Die” spirit. Crucially, they remain the only club in Nigerian football history never to have been relegated from the top-flight division.
With this 2025/26 triumph, Rangers have now added to their previous league successes in 1974, 1975, 1977, 1981, 1982, 1984, 2016, and 2023/24. The milestone draws them level with long-time rivals Enyimba FC on nine league titles—the joint-most in the history of Nigerian football. The domestic double remains a distinct possibility as the Flying Antelopes turn their focus toward the ongoing President Federation Cup. Furthermore, by virtue of their league triumph, continental football is officially returning to Enugu next season as the club prepares to fly Nigeria’s flag in the prestigious CAF Champions League.
