_… Dethroned Champions, Remo Stars Relegated_
By: Chinedum Ohanusi & Friday Joshua
The thrills, frills, drama, and suspense of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Preemie Football League, came to a rousing conclusion yesterday, with Rangers International of Enugu winning the coveted NPFL title, by inflicting a first-ever home defeat in two season, on Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, in Onikan, Lagos.
Two first half goals by Captain Chidiebere Nwobodo sent the packed arena into rapturous frenzy, as Rangers won the high-stakes duel 2-1 to capture their 2nd league shield in 3 seasons, and a record equalling 9th league title, on a final day, as fans were served doses of ecstasy and suspense, at designated battle grounds, and match venues across the country.
Prior to yesterday’s accomplishments by the Flying Antelopes, another Oriental team, Enyimba International of Aba, were the only other side, to have 9 league trophies, in their cabinet.
The loss, means Ikorodu City aka Oga Boys for the second season in a row, finished in 4th position with 58 points, and failed in their bid to quality for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup; while Rangers finished the season with 68 points, one point clear of Rivers United; who thrashed Katsina United 3-0 in Port Harcourt, but had to settle for 2nd spot, at the Adokiye Amiesiamaka stadium, where a brace by Chijioke Mbaoma, was sandwiches by a goal on the hour mark by Aniekeme Okon.
Despite falling short in their quest to reclaim the title, Finidi George’s tutored Rivers United will alongside Rangers represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF champions league; just as Shooting Stars SC of Ibadan punched a ticket to play in the CAF Confederation cup, despite losing 0-1 to Niger Tornadoes, in Minna, where Abdulrasheed Dabia netted the match winner from the spot, and saved Tornadoes from the anguish of relegation.
Mid-table Plateau United piped 15th placed Kano Pillars 1-0 in Jos, courtesy of a goal in added time by Victor Dawa; just as Warri Wolves edged Abia Warriors of Umiahia 2-1 at the University Sports Complex, in Ozoro, Delta State.
Barau FC also ended the season on a high, by trouncing Nasarawa United 3-nil at the Sani Abacha Stadium, in Kofarmata, Kano; while the rain delayed encounter in Owerri, saw Kun Khalifat come from behind to thrash already relegated Wikki Tourists of Bauchi 3-1 at the Dan Anyiam Memorial Stadium.
While Kun Khalifat sealed a great escape from the drop, outgone champions Remo Stars became only the third club in the 54 year-history of the NPFL aside from 3SC of Ibadan (1999) and Bayelsa United (2010), to drop to the lower league, a season after they won the league.
Remo Stars were cruising 1-Nil, until the 4th minute of added time, at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, when Bendel Insurance drew level through Chijioke Akuneto, as the tie ended 1-1 and Sky Blue Boys got relegated to the NNL, for the third time in less than a decade.
That notwithstanding, Victor Mbaoma’s goal for Remo Stars was his 14th of the season, and put him at level with Godwin Obaje of Rangers, who had 14 strikes, but drew blank against Ikorodu City, in Lagos.
Elsewhere, El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri suffered yet another relegation, after capitulating 0-3 in Aba, to Enyimba International, whose players and management should be happy, the torrid season they had, is now over.
In Yenagoa, already relegated Bayelsa United signed out of the top flight in style, by drubbing Kwara United 4-0 at the Samson Siasia Stadium; a loss that meant, the Afonja Warriors from Ilorin survived the drop by the skin of their teeth (goal difference).
