NPFL: Shooting Stars make history, Ilechukwu outshines Finidi, as Rangers secure title on final day

Enugu Rangers have emerged as champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following a hard-fought 2-1 victory away at Ikorodu City on the final day of the season, Soccernet.ng reports.

​Going into Gameweek 38, Rangers held their fate in their own hands with a slim one-point lead over Rivers United at the summit of the table.

​To secure the title, they needed a victory. However, playing away against an Ikorodu City side that was also chasing continental football meant it was expected to be a daunting task.

​Nevertheless, Fidelis Ilechukwu and his boys defied the odds to claim a 2-1 win. Chidiebere Nwobodo scored a brilliant brace, ensuring that Moses Bada’s 58th-minute strike for the hosts was merely a consolation.

​Meanwhile, Finidi George's Rivers United side secured a comfortable 3-0 home victory against Katsina United, courtesy of goals from Chijioke Mbaoma and Aniekeme Okon.

Ultimately, it was not enough, as Ilechukwu’s men had already sealed the title in Lagos. Rangers finished the season at the top with 68 points, while Rivers United finished just behind on 67.

​Coach Finidi and his side will now have to settle for a spot in the CAF Champions League qualifiers.

​Shooting Stars Make History

​Away from the title race, there was a fierce battle for the final CAF Confederation Cup spot between Shooting Stars and Ikorodu City. Recall that the top two teams qualify for the Champions League, while the third-placed team and the FA Cup winner secure continental tickets.

​The Oluyole Warriors held a two-point advantage over Ikorodu City for third place, but they still needed a victory away at Niger Tornadoes to guarantee qualification.

​In an interesting turn of events, both teams lost. Shooting Stars suffered a 1-0 defeat against Niger Tornadoes. However, because Ikorodu City also lost their match, the Ibadan-based club retained third place, finishing the campaign with 60 points.

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​This achievement ensures that Shooting Stars qualify for continental football for the first time since 1999.

​Remo Stars Relegated from NPFL, Kano Pillars Survive

​In a shocking twist, reigning NPFL champions Remo Stars have been relegated following a disastrous campaign.

​Needing a victory against Bendel Insurance in their final game to stay up, the Sky Blue Stars could only manage a 1-1 draw. Consequently, they finished level on points with Kwara United but were relegated due to an inferior goal difference.

​This marks a massive regression for a club widely regarded as one of the best-run sports organizations in the country.

​Remo Stars are joined in relegation by El-Kanemi Warriors, Bayelsa United, and Wikki Tourists.

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

​While Enyimba, Kun Khalifat FC, Warri Wolves, and Niger Tornadoes were all heavily entangled in the relegation scrap, they were able