Enugu Rangers secured the Nigeria Professional Football League title at the weekend with a decisive 4-0 victory over El-Kanemi Warriors on the final matchday of the season, ending their 32-year wait for a league title.
A hat-trick from Chisom Egbuchulam and a goal from Osas Okoro helped Rangers to a stunning 4-0 victory over Warriors, ensuring that the Flying Antelopes ended a long campaign at the summit of the table with 63 points from 36 matches.
The ill-tempered match saw two penalties awarded to Rangers, which Egbuchulam converted to end his season with a trio of goals.
Rangers coach Imama Amapakabo will be pleased that a tough season has come to a successful end, with closest rivals Rivers United ending their title charge three points adrift from the champions.
As a result of their title victory, Enugu Rangers will represent Nigeria on the continental stage in the CAF Champions League next season, alongside second-placed rivals Rivers United.
The two clubs will now make an effort to change the recent misfortunes of Nigerian sides in Africa’s premier continental competition. Not since Eyimba won the competition in 2003 and 2004 has a Nigerian team won the competition.
This will be concerning for Nigerian clubs and fans given the dominance of the North African teams in the competition, in addition to the emergence of Congolese side TP Mazembe. Al-Ahly and Mazembe have between them won six of the last eight editions of the CAF Champions League, although this year’s final will pit Zamalek of Egypt against South African Champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
For now, Rangers can enjoy their moment of glory.