Chairman of Rangers International F.C., Ameobi Ezeaku, has revealed why he broke down in tears after the club secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City F.C. to win the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League title on Sunday in Lagos.
The Flying Antelopes claimed their record-equalling ninth NPFL crown at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, drawing level with Enyimba F.C. as the most successful club in Nigerian top-flight history.
Speaking after the tense Matchday 38 encounter, the emotional Rangers chairman admitted the pressure became overwhelming as the game approached its closing stages.
“As a little boy growing up in Nsukka, Rangers is all we knew,” Ameobi said in an interview with Sports247.
“As a young man now, Rangers is the only club we love. Everybody born in the region loves Rangers. So as the GM, I am not working here because I am employed. This is our heritage. This is our life.”
The chairman disclosed that he had to leave the stands during the nervy closing moments after Ikorodu City pulled one goal back through Moses Ali.
“When I was crying, I couldn’t hold my emotions. And when I left the stadium, the pressure was much,” he added.
“I was praying outside and asking God to do this for us, to complete Mission 9. Sometimes you cannot fully unravel your emotions. But the most important thing is that today, Rangers are nine-time champions.”
Rangers captain Chidiebere Nwobodo delivered a title-winning performance with two crucial goals in the 30th and 52nd minutes before Ikorodu City reduced the deficit in the second half.
The victory also sealed Rangers’ qualification for next season’s CAF Champions League alongside Rivers United F.C.
Ameobi also reflected on Rangers’ previous continental experience and stressed the club’s determination to improve ahead of another campaign in Africa.
“We are going to fortify our team and also learn from the big boys,” he said.
“We are united. They have a lot of experience and I will ask questions and learn from them.”
The triumph marked Ikorodu City’s first home defeat in two seasons and capped off a memorable campaign for the Enugu side, who edged out their title rivals on the final day to complete what the club tagged “Mission 9.”
