Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Rangers International Football Club of Enugu on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at the new Rwang Pam Stadium defeated Gombe United 2-1 in the last league encounter of the season to garner 70 points in the 2023/2024 NPFL season and crowned champions.
Two early goals in 3rd and 7th minutes of the highly entertaining encounter off the boots of Kazeem Ogunleye and Godwin Obaje saw the flying Antelopes take the lead at the early stage of the game.
The host came from behind to reduce the tally in the 25th minutes through Sa’ad Abubakar to end the first half of the encounter.
The second half was an end-to-end encounter as none of the teams was able to increase their tally.
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, his Plateau State counterpart, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, and business mogul, Prince (Engr) Arthur Eze were on the ground to witness the encounter.
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 Rangers 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.