With two points and six goals separating Rangers International and second-placed Remo Stars on the table, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title is the Enugu side’s to lose.
Since Fidelis Ilechukwu assumed leadership of the Flying Antelopes, the Enugu side have not hidden their intention of reclaiming a title they last won in 2016.
Buoyed by the three points and three goals awarded to them by the NPFL in the aftermath of their abandoned game against then closest rivals, Enyimba of Aba, Rangers have reached for the top, albeit unsteadily.
They suffered a setback in Ibadan where 3SC defeated them by a lone goal, but Enyimba showed in their game against Bayelsa United, which ended in a draw, that they were still feeling the hangover of that clash with Rangers.
Remo Stars, who are now second on the spot, capitalized on the Enyimba result in Aba to jump into the second position after a 4-1 defeat of relegated Heartland in Ikenne.
With two games to the end of the season, all Rangers need is one draw in either today’s home game against Bendel Insurance or the away tie with already relegated Gombe United in Gombe to become champions again. This is provided Remo Stars do not win their games against Sunshine Stars today in Akure or their last match at home against Katsina United (combined) with more than six goals.
The season could even be decided today if Rangers beat Bendel Insurance at home today, while Remo Stars lose their away game to Sunshine Stars. Despite a less than impressive away record, Bendel Insurance have been a tough nut to crack, boasting the fewest conceded goals in the NPFL this season.
Expected to leverage their home advantage and the support of their ardent fans, Enugu Rangers may be gearing up for an eighth NPFL title. Speaking on his expectations in today’s game, Coach Ilechukwu said a Rangers’ win with gladden his heart, “my family, technical crew and everybody, especially for our fans who have waited since 2016.” He said that every Rangers’ supporter is looking forward to winning the trophy again.
“There is hope that it will happen. The problem now is Remo Stars, we have two games and we need to fight to make sure we win our next game and I think with that it will be a great joy for Rangers, the management, fans and everybody,” he said.
Matches of the NPFL are broadcast on StarTimes’ Channel 244, with today’s games between Sporting Lagos and Enyimba and Bayelsa United versus Shooting Stars taking the centrestage.
Remo Stars also have dreams of winning their first NPFL title, but actualisation of that ambition rests on what Rangers do in their next two games.
Remo Stars’ coach, Daniel Ogunmodede, fueled by the team’s consistent improvement over the past two seasons, believes this could be their year to clinch the elusive NPFL title. The team has shown steady progress, and the coach sees this as their golden opportunity to reach the summit of Nigerian football finally.
The stats speak volumes of their potential: Remo Stars have an excellent home record, with 17 wins out of 18 games, showcasing their stronghold at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne-Remo in Ogun State. Their overall form is marked by 19 wins, five draws, and 12 losses, placing them at 62 points, two points shy of Rangers.
