Rangers International came from behind to secure their first victory of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League campaign, edging Nasarawa United 2-1 in a matchday three encounter completed in Owerri, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The fixture, initially played on Thursday, September 17, was suspended in the 63rd minute after heavy rainfall made the pitch unplayable at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.

The two teams returned on Friday morning to play the remaining minutes, with Rangers eventually completing the comeback under head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu.

Nasarawa United had taken the lead in the 39th minute through Sunday Dapman before Rangers responded almost immediately.

Chidozie Iwundu restored parity just two minutes later, putting the defending champions back on level terms before half-time.

Rangers continued to push for the winning goal after the restart and eventually found the breakthrough in the 84th minute when Daniel Itodo struck to complete the comeback.

The match was moved to Owerri because the Awka Township Stadium was unavailable, while Rangers are unable to use the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu due to ongoing issues surrounding their home venue.

The victory takes Rangers to eighth position with four points from two matches, while the Enugu-based club still has a game in hand on most of their early-season rivals.

Nasarawa United, meanwhile, have slipped to 14th with three points from their opening three matches. They began the campaign with a home victory over Bendel Insurance before suffering an away defeat to Barau FC.

Doma United currently lead the NPFL standings with nine points from three matches, followed by Barau FC on seven points.

Rangers will return to action on Sunday, September 20, when they travel to face Kun Khalifat FC, while Nasarawa United will welcome Rivers United on the same day.

Four players from three Nigeria Premier Football League clubs have received international call-ups ahead of the upcoming fixtures, underlining the continued role of the domestic league in producing players for national teams, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Rangers International defender Kenneth Igboke and Ikorodu City duo Aderemi Adeoye and Michael Atata have been invited to join the Super Eagles for Nigeria’s international friendly against Russia in October.

The trio will have an opportunity to train with the senior national team and stake their claims for playing time when Nigeria face Russia in the friendly encounter.

Igboke has been one of Rangers’ key players, while Adeoye and Atata have earned recognition for their performances with Ikorodu City in the NPFL.

Meanwhile, Katsina United goalkeeper Frank Koroma has received a call-up to the Sierra Leone national team for the country’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Koroma will join the Leone Stars as they prepare for their upcoming qualifiers, allowing the Katsina United shot-stopper to compete at senior international level.

The four invitations provide another example of NPFL players attracting attention beyond Nigeria, with performances in the domestic league opening doors to international football.

As the next international window approaches, Igboke, Adeoye, Atata and Koroma will look to make the most of their respective opportunities and further establish themselves on the international stage.

Rangers International have received a financial boost following their progress in the CAF Champions League, with General Manager Amobi Ezeaku presenting a $10,000 cash reward to the players and technical crew, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The gesture came after the Flying Antelopes secured their place in the second preliminary round of the competition following a dramatic penalty shootout victory over AS Sobemap in Lomé, Togo.

Rangers held their nerve from the spot after a fiercely contested encounter to complete their progression and keep their continental campaign alive.

Ezeaku’s reward is understood to be an appreciation of the team’s commitment and determination during the first round, while also providing additional motivation ahead of a significantly tougher challenge.

The Enugu-based club is expected to face either MC Alger of Algeria or Nigelec of Niger in the second preliminary round, with the fixtures scheduled to be played in October.

Ezeaku also immediately contacted the Governor of Enugu State after the qualification in Lomé to convey his congratulations and share the team’s achievement directly from Togo.

The financial gesture underlines the growing support surrounding Rangers’ continental campaign as the club seeks to build on its impressive start and progress deeper into Africa’s premier club competition.

With the second preliminary round approaching, the Flying Antelopes will now shift their attention towards preparing for the next stage and another demanding test on the continental stage.

Rangers International were held to a 1-1 draw by Benin Republic champions Sobemap FC in the first leg of their CAF Champions League first preliminary-round tie at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Flying Antelopes started brightly and were rewarded in the 17th minute when defender Chidozie Nwundu reacted quickest inside the box to fire home following a goalmouth scramble.

Rangers protected their slender advantage into the interval, but their lead disappeared almost immediately after the restart.

Sobemap levelled just 40 seconds into the second half, capitalising on a lapse in concentration from the Enugu-based side to bring the visitors back into the contest.

Rangers pushed forward in search of a second goal and enjoyed periods of territorial dominance, but struggled to create the clear-cut opportunity needed to regain the lead.

Sobemap also threatened on the counter as both sides settled for a share of the spoils at the final whistle.

The 1-1 draw leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of the return leg, with Rangers now needing a stronger performance away from home to secure qualification for the next round of the CAF Champions League.

Rangers International general manager Amobi Ezeaku has warned the Nigeria Premier Football League champions against complacency as they begin their 2026/27 CAF Champions League campaign against Benin Republic’s SOBEMAP on Sunday in Abeokuta, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Flying Antelopes will host the first-leg encounter at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, which they have adopted as their temporary home while renovation work continues at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.

Rangers head into the continental fixture after opening their NPFL title defence with a 1-1 draw last weekend, while SOBEMAP have also had an opportunity to assess the Nigerian champions through their domestic league campaign.

Ezeaku believes strong support from fans will be crucial as Rangers seek to establish an advantage before the return leg.

“There is light at the end of the tunnel for us. On Sunday, we expect that more fans will come out from Abeokuta, Lagos, Ikenne, and a lot of people have also come in from neighbouring states. We have to grind out the result, win convincingly and advance.

“We want to take each game as it comes. We have our eyes on the Champions League and we are not losing focus.”

Rangers are returning to Africa’s premier club competition with hopes of producing a run worthy of the club’s rich continental history.

The Enugu giants’ biggest African success remains their triumph in the 1977 African Cup Winners’ Cup, while their most recent Champions League campaign after winning the NPFL title in 2024 ended at the preliminary stage without reaching the group phase.

The Nigerian champions will therefore be determined to go further this time and take another step towards re-establishing themselves among Africa’s leading clubs.

If Rangers overcome SOBEMAP, they will face the winners of the second preliminary round tie between Niger Republic’s ASN Nigelec and Algerian giants MC Alger.

Enugu Rangers are determined to begin their CAF Champions League campaign on a winning note when they face Beninese champions AS Sobemap of Porto-Novo in the first leg of their preliminary round tie on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Flying Antelopes will host the visitors at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, with the nine-time Nigeria Premier Football League champions aiming to secure a healthy advantage before the return fixture in Porto-Novo.

Rangers chairman Amobi Ezeaku has urged the team to approach the encounter with the right mentality, insisting they are prepared to battle until the final whistle.

“We will come out and push till the end in our clash against AS Sobemap of Porto-Novo on Sunday,” Ezeaku said.

The Rangers chairman pointed to the team’s resilience in their NPFL opener against Katsina United, where they scored a late equaliser, as evidence of their fighting spirit.

“The evidence of our strong mentality was in our league opener against Katsina United, where we got the goal in the last minutes,” he added.

Rangers head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, who also serves as an assistant coach of the Super Eagles, said the team has moved on from the league disappointment and is fully focused on the continental assignment.

“I will not blame my players (for the draw) because they are the best and we will give them the confidence to go again.”

Ilechukwu added that the Champions League encounter provides Rangers with an opportunity to make up for their missed chances against Katsina United, describing the result as a mistake the team is determined to rectify.

Ezeaku has also appealed to Rangers supporters in Abeokuta to come out in numbers and provide the necessary backing as the club represents Nigeria on the continental stage.

“There is light at the end of the tunnel for us. We hope more fans will come out. This is Rangers representing the country,” he said.

The winner of the two-legged tie will advance to the second preliminary round, where they will meet the winner of the clash between ASN Nigelec and MC Alger.

Enugu Rangers chairman Amobi Ezeaku has assured that the club is ready for Sunday’s CAF Champions League preliminary-round first-leg encounter against AS Sobemap of Porto-Novo, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The Flying Antelopes will welcome the Beninese side to the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, with Rangers seeking a strong first-leg result before the return fixture.

Ezeaku said the Nigerian champions would approach the continental assignment with determination and a strong mentality, insisting that the team would continue fighting until the final whistle.

“We will come out and push till the end in our clash against AS Sobemap of Porto-Novo on Sunday,” Ezeaku said.

The Rangers chairman cited the club’s dramatic league-opening victory over Katsina United as evidence of the team’s character after the Enugu side scored the decisive goal in the closing stages.

“The evidence of our strong mentality was in our league opener against Katsina United, where we got the goal in the last minutes,” he added.

Ezeaku also called on Rangers supporters to remain patient and have faith in the club’s rebuilding project as the team prepares to compete on both domestic and continental fronts.

“We are on a journey as a team, and we want the club supporters to trust the process,” he said.

The Rangers chairman further urged supporters and football fans to come out in large numbers at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta to back the team and provide the players with the necessary encouragement.

Rangers will be aiming to secure an advantage in the first leg before travelling to Porto-Novo for the decisive return encounter.

Ikorodu City made a flying start to the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season, coming from behind to defeat newly promoted Ranchers Bees 3-1 and move to the top of the table, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

Ranchers Bees stunned the hosts by taking the lead in the seventh minute, but Umar Dan’Azumi restored parity for the Oga Boys in the 30th minute.

Ikorodu City completed the turnaround just before half-time when Abayomi Ayodeji found the net, before Farouk Salami converted a penalty in the 87th minute to seal a 3-1 victory.

Elsewhere, Rivers United announced their intentions with a convincing 2-0 home victory over Plateau United in Port Harcourt. Abdulrasheed Dabai opened the scoring in the sixth minute before Wasiu Falolu doubled the advantage in the 38th minute, handing last season’s runners-up a comfortable start.

Kwara United produced one of the weekend’s biggest comebacks, recovering from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Kano Pillars in Ilorin. Shola Abdulraheem gave Pillars an early lead in the 12th minute before Rabiu Ali doubled the advantage 17 minutes later.

Alex Jerry reduced the deficit two minutes after the restart, before completing the comeback with a dramatic equaliser in the seventh minute of stoppage time.

Bendel Insurance also came from behind to defeat Warri Wolves 2-1. Eventus Itolowo put Wolves ahead in the fifth minute, but Kayode Oke levelled from the penalty spot in the 20th minute. Alex Oweilayefa then scored two minutes into the second half to complete Insurance’s comeback.

In Minna, Niger Tornadoes edged Enyimba 2-1. Aliyu Goyi gave the hosts the lead in the 40th minute, while Wonah Williams restored parity for Enyimba in the 71st minute. Michael Olalusi, however, struck seven minutes later to secure all three points for Tornadoes.

Barau FC also enjoyed a winning NPFL debut, defeating Nasarawa United 3-1. Joseph Atule opened the scoring in the 15th minute, while Abubakar Abdullahi equalised for Nasarawa five minutes later.

Barau regained the lead through Al’Amin Umar in the 78th minute before Sugau Aliyu added a third four minutes later. Atule’s early goal also marked the beginning of his pursuit of a personal target of 20 goals this season.

Reigning champions Rangers were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Katsina United at their adopted home ground in Abeokuta. Luis Dadong put Katsina ahead in the 38th minute before Chibueze Oputa rescued a point for Rangers in the seventh minute of added time.

Rangers’ equaliser came after Katsina United goalkeeper parried Oputa’s effort into his own net.

Meanwhile, Doma United marked their return to the NPFL with a 2-0 victory over fellow returnees Sporting Lagos in Gombe. Sadiq Rilwan opened the scoring in the eighth minute before Daniel Simon added the second in the 75th minute to complete a winning return for the hosts.

With the opening round producing goals, comebacks and late drama, Ikorodu City emerge as the early pace-setters in the 2026/27 NPFL campaign.

Matchday 1 results:

Shooting Stars 2-1 Inter Lagos

Abia Warriors 0-0 Kun Khalifat FC

Kwara United 2-2 Kano Pillars

Barau FC 3-1 Nasarawa United

Bendel Insurance 2-1 Warri Wolves

Rangers 1-1 Katsina United

Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Enyimba

Ikorodu City 3-1 Ranchers Bees

Doma United 2-0 Sporting Lagos

Rivers United 2-0 Plateau United

Nigerian clubs competing in the 2026/27 CAF inter-club competitions have been handed an August 15 deadline to submit their squad lists for the first preliminary round, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The deadline affects all Nigerian representatives in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, with Rangers International and Rivers United set to compete in the Champions League, while Shooting Stars and El-Kanemi Warriors will represent the country in the Confederation Cup.

The four clubs are expected to complete the registration of their eligible players and submit their official squad lists to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) before the deadline.

Failure to meet the registration requirements could create complications for the clubs ahead of their opening preliminary-round fixtures and potentially affect the eligibility of players to feature in the continental competitions.

The deadline comes as the Nigerian representatives intensify preparations for their respective CAF campaigns, with the clubs hoping to advance through the preliminary rounds and secure places in the lucrative group stages.

Nigeria’s representatives in the 2026/27 CAF Champions League, Rivers United and Rangers International, have discovered their respective opponents following Thursday’s preliminary round draw conducted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in Cairo, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Rivers United, who enter the competition as a seeded side due to their strong CAF coefficient, have been drawn against Ivorian club FC San Pedro in the first preliminary round.

The Port Harcourt-based club are ranked 24th in Africa with 15 CAF coefficient points, while FC San Pedro occupy 60th position, giving the Nigerian side a statistical advantage ahead of the two-legged tie.

If Rivers United progress, they will face either Uganda’s Vipers SC or Mauritania’s FC Nouadhibou in the second preliminary round, with qualification for the group stage at stake.

For Rangers International, the route to the group stage is considerably tougher. The reigning Nigeria Premier Football League champions, who were unseeded for the draw, will face Benin Republic champions SOBEMAP in the opening round.

A victory would set up a challenging second-round encounter against either Niger Republic’s ASN Nigelec or Algerian giants MC Alger.

The preliminary round draw featured 61 clubs, with CAF granting automatic passage to the second preliminary round to the three highest-ranked teams, Mamelodi Sundowns, Espérance and RS Berkane.

The remaining 58 clubs will contest the first preliminary round, with the 29 winners joining the three exempted sides in the next phase.

The first preliminary-round matches are scheduled for September 4–6, with return legs taking place from September 11–13. The second preliminary round will be played between October 16–18, with the return fixtures scheduled for October 23–25.

The clubs that successfully navigate the second preliminary round will earn places in the 16-team CAF Champions League group stage and continue their pursuit of continental glory and the competition’s significant financial rewards.

Nigeria's representatives in the 2026/27 CAF inter-club competitions, Rangers International, Rivers United, Shooting Stars, and El Kanemi Warriors, are assured of a financial reward from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), even if they are eliminated in the preliminary rounds, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

CAF has confirmed that every club knocked out during the qualifying stages of both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup will receive a solidarity payment of USD 100,000.

The initiative is part of the continental governing body's efforts to strengthen African club football by providing financial assistance to participating teams and encouraging greater involvement in its premier inter-club competitions.

As a result, Nigeria's four representatives will each be eligible for the financial support should their campaigns end in the opening qualifying rounds.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe reiterated the organisation's commitment to investing in clubs across Africa, stressing that more teams should benefit from the governing body's growing commercial success and football development programmes.

The solidarity payments are expected to ease the financial burden on participating clubs, improve their operational capacity, and enhance their competitiveness on the continental stage as CAF continues to expand support for African club football.

Nigeria's representatives in the 2026/27 CAF inter-club competitions, Rangers International, Rivers United, Shooting Stars, and El Kanemi Warriors, will learn their preliminary round opponents on Thursday when the Confederation of African Football (CAF) conducts the official draws in Cairo, Egypt, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The draws for both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup will be held at CAF headquarters on Thursday, August 6, 2026.

The CAF Confederation Cup draw is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. Cairo time (11:00 GMT), while the CAF Champions League draw will follow at 3:00 p.m. Cairo time (12:00 GMT).

Rangers International and Rivers United will fly Nigeria's flag in the CAF Champions League after securing top finishes in the Nigeria Premier Football League last season.

Shooting Stars and President Federation Cup winners El Kanemi Warriors will represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup as they aim to make an impact on the continental stage.

The draw will determine the preliminary round fixtures for all four Nigerian clubs as they begin their campaigns in pursuit of continental glory during the 2026/27 CAF inter-club season.

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions Rangers International have reached an agreement with Remo Stars to use the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, as their home venue for the preliminary rounds of the CAF Champions League, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The arrangement comes as renovation and upgrade works continue at Rangers' home ground, the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, popularly known as The Cathedral, in Enugu. The ongoing improvements are aimed at ensuring the facility meets the Confederation of African Football's stadium requirements for continental competitions.

The temporary switch will allow the Flying Antelopes to host their opening CAF Champions League fixtures at a fully approved venue while work on their traditional home ground is completed.

The Remo Stars Stadium has earned a reputation as one of Nigeria's top venues for continental football, having staged several CAF inter-club matches in recent years. Its modern facilities, quality playing surface and compliance with CAF regulations have made it a preferred alternative for Nigerian clubs competing in Africa.

Rangers will be hoping to maximise the advantage of playing in Ikenne as they begin their campaign to reach the group stage of Africa's premier club competition.

The Enugu-based side qualified for the CAF Champions League after securing a record-extending ninth NPFL title and will be targeting a strong run on the continental stage.

Club officials remain optimistic that renovation work at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium will be completed before the later rounds of the competition, should Rangers advance beyond the preliminary stage.

The temporary relocation has been widely regarded as a practical solution, allowing the club to concentrate fully on its continental ambitions while awaiting CAF approval for its home stadium.

CAF is expected to release the preliminary-round fixtures in the coming weeks, with Rangers set to welcome their home supporters to Ikenne as they begin another quest for continental glory.

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions Enugu Rangers have dismissed allegations by Super Eagles winger Moses Simon that he was denied a contract because he was not of Igbo origin, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Paris FC forward made the claim during an interview with UrbanDwellSport, where he recounted an unsuccessful trial with the Flying Antelopes earlier in his career.

Simon revealed that he trained with Rangers for three months and believed his performances had earned him a professional contract after captaining the club's screening team.

"I went to Rangers and trained with them for three months. I wasn't signed, but I was training with them. In fact, I was the captain of the 'screening' team," Simon said.

"I've never told anyone this story; this is the first time, but it was a disgrace, I was dropped because I was not Igbo.

"I was there for three months, and a guy came I have forgotten his name, he's an Ibo guy, he just trained one week, and they signed him, professional contract, they said because I was from the north or something."

Responding to the allegations, Rangers released an official statement on the club's X account, firmly rejecting the accusation and insisting the club has never operated any form of ethnic discrimination.

"While we respect every player's right to recount his personal journey, it is important to clearly state that Rangers International FC has never maintained, and does not maintain, any policy of discrimination based on ethnicity, tribe, religion or place of origin," the statement read.

"For over five decades, Rangers has stood as one of Nigeria's foremost national football institutions. Although proudly rooted in Enugu and the South-East, the club has always belonged to Nigeria.

"Throughout its rich history, Rangers has been home to players, coaches and officials from virtually every part of the country and the continent, all united by one objective: excellence on the football pitch."

The seven-time Nigerian champions stressed that recruitment decisions have always been based on footballing merit rather than ethnic background.

"The club's recruitment philosophy has always been based on footballing ability, character, discipline and commitment, not ethnic identity.

"Thousands of players have passed through Rangers over the years. Some earned contracts, others did not. Such decisions are part of football and are influenced by numerous sporting, technical and administrative considerations. It would therefore be inaccurate to characterise Rangers as an institution that discriminates against players because of their ethnicity."

The club further stated that its current administration remains committed to professionalism, meritocracy, diversity and inclusion, with players recruited from across Nigeria and beyond for its men's, women's and youth teams.

"Rangers remains committed to providing equal opportunities to every talented player regardless of ethnic background, religion or geographical origin. The values that define this great club are excellence, integrity, discipline, hard work and unity.

"As one of Nigeria's most historic football institutions, Rangers will continue to serve as a symbol of national integration, where talent speaks louder than tribe, and performance remains the ultimate criterion for opportunity."

Super Eagles winger Moses Simon has claimed he was denied the opportunity to sign for Enugu Rangers at the start of his career because he was not of Igbo origin, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Paris FC star made the revelation during an interview with UrbanDwellSport, recalling a disappointing experience after spending three months on trial with the seven-time Nigeria Premier Football League champions.

According to Simon, he impressed the coaching staff throughout the screening exercise and was even appointed captain of the trial team, leaving him convinced that he had earned a professional contract.

However, the winger alleged that he was overlooked despite his performances, while another player was signed after only a brief trial.

"I went to Rangers and trained with them for three months. I wasn't signed, but I was training with them. In fact, I was the captain of the 'screening' team.

"I've never told anyone this story; this is the first time, but it was a disgrace. I was dropped because I was not Igbo.

"I was there for three months, and a guy came I have forgotten his name; he's an Ibo guy, he just trained one week, and they signed him, professional contract, they said because I was from the north or something."

Despite the setback, Simon went on to build a successful career in Europe.

In January 2014, he signed a three-year contract with Slovak club Tren?ín and made his league debut in a 1-1 draw against MFK Košice.

He also featured in the UEFA Europa League during the 2014/15 campaign, making his continental debut in Tren?ín's second qualifying round tie against Serbian side Vojvodina Novi Sad.

The Nigerian international later enjoyed successful spells with Belgian club Gent and Spanish side Levante before joining French outfit Nantes on an initial loan move in August 2019. Nantes eventually exercised the option to make the transfer permanent following his impressive performances.

During his time at Gent, Simon won the Belgian Pro League title and the Belgian Super Cup, while he also lifted the Coupe de France with Nantes.

On the international stage, the winger has represented Nigeria at four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, featuring at the 2019, 2021, 2023 and 2025 editions.

Nigeria's representatives in the 2026/27 CAF inter-club competitions will play their home matches away from their traditional stadiums after their venues failed to secure approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The affected clubs are Rangers International, Rivers United and Shooting Stars, all of whom will now be required to adopt alternative venues for their home fixtures in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.

CAF has approved only three stadiums in Nigeria to host continental club matches. They are the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, and the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

As a result, the three clubs are expected to select one of the approved venues as their temporary home ground for their respective continental campaigns.

The decision means the teams will be forced to play in unfamiliar environments and away from their traditional fan bases, a situation that could affect the home advantage they would ordinarily enjoy during the 2026/27 CAF inter-club competitions.

Nigerian clubs Rangers, Rivers United and Shooting Stars will begin their quests for continental success in September after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) unveiled the fixture schedule for the 2026/27 CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

According to the timetable released by CAF, the opening preliminary round of both competitions will be played from September 4 to 6, 2026, with the return legs scheduled for September 11 to 13.

Teams that progress will advance to the second preliminary round, where the first-leg matches will take place between October 16 and 18, while the decisive return fixtures are slated for October 23 to 25.

The group stage of both tournaments is expected to get underway at the end of November, with clubs across the continent battling for continental honours.

CAF has also retained its enhanced prize money structure, with the winners of the CAF Champions League set to receive $6 million, while the CAF Confederation Cup champions will earn $4 million.

Nigeria will be represented by Rangers and Rivers United in the CAF Champions League after both clubs secured qualification through their performances in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

In the CAF Confederation Cup, Shooting Stars will fly the Nigerian flag alongside the winners of the 2026 President Federation Cup, completing the country's quartet of representatives in continental competition.

The Nigerian clubs will be aiming to make a strong impression and improve the country's standing in African club football when the new continental season gets underway.

Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State has announced a generous reward package for players and officials of Rangers International F.C. following the club’s successful 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League title-winning campaign, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Speaking during a reception organised in honour of the league champions, Governor Mbah approved a total cash reward of ?150 million for the club.

According to the governor, ?100 million will be shared among the players, while ?50 million has been allocated to members of the management team in recognition of their contributions to Rangers’ title-winning success.

Beyond the financial rewards, the Enugu State government also approved plots of land for all players and management staff, with each beneficiary set to receive a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).

Governor Mbah further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports development by announcing plans to upgrade the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium ahead of Rangers’ participation in next season’s CAF Champions League.

The planned renovations are also expected to prepare the stadium for the hosting of the Coal City Games 2026, Enugu State’s flagship sporting event.

The rewards package highlights the state government’s appreciation of Rangers’ achievement and its determination to strengthen the club’s competitiveness on the continental stage.

Popularly known as the Flying Antelopes, Rangers enjoyed a remarkable campaign, winning the NPFL title and securing qualification for the prestigious CAF Champions League.

The announcement has been widely welcomed by supporters and football stakeholders, who see the incentives as a strong commitment to sports development and professional football in Enugu State.

The league triumph further reinforces Rangers’ position as one of Nigeria’s most successful football clubs and adds another memorable chapter to the rich football heritage of the Coal City.

With a return to continental football on the horizon, Rangers will now look to build on their domestic success and make a strong impression against Africa’s top clubs in the CAF Champions League.

Enugu Rangers head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu has said he will decide on his future at the club after returning from Super Eagles duty at the Unity Cup in London.

Ilechukwu recently guided Rangers to the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League title following a hard-fought 2-1 win over Ikorodu City in Lagos, securing the club’s ninth league crown and moving them level with Enyimba in the NPFL’s all-time honours list.

The coach, who has now won two league titles in three seasons with Rangers, confirmed that his contract has expired and admitted uncertainty over whether he will continue at the club beyond the current campaign.

According to him, discussions will be held with the club hierarchy after his return from international duty, as he weighs up his next career step following a successful but demanding spell in Enugu.

Rangers’ title success was sealed despite pressure from Rivers United, who finished just one point behind after a 3-0 win on the final day.

Rangers International secured their ninth Nigeria Premier Football League title after battling to a 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Flying Antelopes, led by coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, started brightly and broke the deadlock in the 30th minute through Chidiebere Nwobodo.

Nwobodo completed his brace 10 minutes into the second half to hand Rangers firm control of the encounter before Moses Ali reduced the deficit for Ikorodu City in the 58th minute.

Despite late pressure from the hosts, Rangers held on to secure all three points and confirm their place as NPFL champions with 68 points from 38 matches.

Rivers United finished the season in second position after a dominant 3-0 victory against Katsina United in Port Harcourt.

Chijioke Mbaoma netted twice for Rivers United, while Aniekeme Okon added the third goal to complete an impressive performance for the Port Harcourt side.

Shooting Stars Sports Club claimed third place and a CAF Confederation Cup ticket despite suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Niger Tornadoes in Minna.

Abdulrasheed Shehu Dabai converted from the penalty spot four minutes before halftime to hand Tornadoes a crucial victory.

Elsewhere, Enyimba FC preserved their top-flight status with a convincing 3-0 home win over El-Kanemi Warriors.

Stanley Dimgba scored twice for the People’s Elephant before Uwana Asuquo added a late third goal. The defeat confirmed El-Kanemi Warriors’ relegation to the Nigeria National League.

Plateau United edged Kano Pillars 1-0 in Jos, with Victor Dawa scoring the winner deep into stoppage time.

At the Samson Siasia Stadium, Bayelsa United recorded the biggest victory of the final day after thrashing Kwara United 4-0.

Peter Ebimobiwei, Saro Loveday, Stephen Wisdom, and Nneoyi Ofem all found the net for the hosts.

In Kano, Barau FC defeated Nasarawa United 3-0 courtesy of goals from Joseph Atule, Sunday Anthony, and Adamu Hussein.

Final Matchday Results

Niger Tornadoes 1-0 Shooting Stars

Enyimba 3-0 El-Kanemi Warriors

Bayelsa United 4-0 Kwara United

Bendel Insurance 1-1 Remo Stars

Ikorodu City 1-2 Rangers

Rivers United 3-0 Katsina United

Warri Wolves 2-1 Abia Warriors

Plateau United 1-0 Kano Pillars

Barau FC 3-0 Nasarawa United