The ‘Flying Antelopes’, Rangers International F.C on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at the New Jos Stadium, Jos, defeated Gombe United 2-1 in the last league encounter of the season to amass a total of seventy points in the 2023/2024 NPFL season and crowned champions before an appreciative crowd that had the governors of Enugu and Plateau states.
Two early goals in 3 and 7 minutes of the highly entertaining encounter off the boots of Kazeem Ogunleye and Godwin Obaje while the host, reduced the tally in 25 minutes off the boot of Sa’ad Abubakar while efforts to get more goals by either side proved abortive till the end of the first half of the encounter.
The second half was end-to-end stuff as the fans were at the edge of their seats as opportunities came and went with the short stoppers of the contending sides showcasing their stuff between the sticks.
Enugu state governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, his Plateau state counterpart, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, and business mogul, Prince (Engr) Arthur Eze was on the ground to witness the scintillating encounter and was involved in the medal and trophy presentation to the league winners, Rangers International F.C.
The Coal City side was later hosted to a grand dinner party by the G.M.D of Afrinvest West Africa, Prince Ike Chioke, which had three Enugu state commissioners present, players, coaches, backroom staff, and management staff were treated to sumptuous meals.
With the victory and trophy presentation, Rangers have extended their league triumphs to eight and will represent the country in the CAF Champions League next season with the target of getting as far as the final match.
In a post-match chat, an elated coach Fidelis Ilechukwu said, “This is a great day for all of us in Rangers and we give God the glory. This is a victory for the government and people of Enugu state who supported us through thick and thin till we got to where we are today as champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League. We hope to get a few legs to add to this team to challenge for both domestic and continental honors next season effectively.”
For their efforts in the the league, Rangers took home a giant trophy and a cheque for the sum of One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira only.
