The Enugu Rangers won the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League after beating Bendel Insurance 2-0 in their final home game of the season at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, on Sunday.
The Flying Antelopes, with one game to spare, have secured their eighth league title and first since 2016.
Their close rivals, Remo Stars and Enyimba, lost in other match-day 37 fixtures against Sunshine Stars and Sporting Lagos, respectively, contributing to the Coal City boys’ sweet victory.
Sunshine Stars defeated Remo Stars 2-1 in Akure, while Sporting Lagos, who face relegation, also lost 2-1 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena despite a late goal by Enyimba.
With a two-point lead going into the matchday 37 game, Fidelis Ilechukwu’s men took control of their destiny against Insurance as quickly as possible, with Kenechukwu Agu opening the scoring in the 33rd minute.
Chidiebere Nwobodo doubled their lead in the 65th minute, but Remo and Enyimba, who had each lost by a goal in their respective games, nearly dragged their confirmation as winners to the final day.
Remo would have been in the running for the title with a draw, but two late goals destroyed their chances.
With the title in the bag, Rangers automatically qualify to represent Nigeria in the 2024–2025 CAF Champions League.
The Nigerian second Champions League slot is now left for Remo Stars, Enyimba, and Shooting Stars to fight for on the last game day.
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