Rangers Crowned 2025/26 NPFL Champions as NSC Boss Calls for Mega Sponsorships

Rangers International secured the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title in grand style on Sunday, following a thrilling 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.

Although Rivers United delivered a commanding 3-0 win against Katsina United in their final fixture, it was not enough to dethrone the Enugu-based side. Rangers held their nerve to finish at the top of the table, capping off a highly competitive and closely contested season.

The vibrant season finale in Lagos was attended by prominent sports figures, including the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, who was front and center as Rangers hoisted the championship trophy.

Speaking after the game, Olopade lauded the steady progress of the league under the leadership of NPFL Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye.

“I want to first of all congratulate Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, the Chairman of the League. It’s an amazing job they have done this season, just like they did last season and two years ago,” Olopade stated. “There has been tremendous improvement. We keep moving from strength to strength, and today’s atmosphere was amazing. It’s something all Nigerians must be proud of.”

The NSC Director General also extended his congratulations to the champions, as well as runners-up Rivers United and Ikorodu City, for their outstanding performances throughout the campaign.

Despite the evident progress in league organization, Olopade emphasized that Nigerian club football must now pivot toward commercial growth and robust financial backing.

“In terms of structure, planning, and timing, we have moved on,” he explained. “What we need to work on now is to attract multiple mega sponsorships for the league. This league is ripe for multi-billion-naira sponsorship, and that’s what we need to start working towards collectively.”

He urged the Nigeria Football Federation, the National Sports Commission, and the NPFL board to collaborate closely to transform the league into a financially sustainable and globally competitive brand.

For Rangers International, the title victory adds another glorious chapter to their storied history. Meanwhile, for the NPFL, the successful conclusion of the season—marked by better organization, high fan engagement, and a dramatic title race—sets a strong foundation for future growth.