Rangers International technical adviser Fidelis Ilechukwu has urged his players to remain fully focused ahead of their decisive final-day clash against Ikorodu City in the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season.
Rangers moved closer to a ninth NPFL title after defeating Bendel Insurance 2-1 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu on Matchday 37.
Captain Godwin Obaje scored twice for the Flying Antelopes, including a second-half penalty, while Alex Oweilaiyefa netted Bendel Insurance’s only goal.
Despite the important victory, Ilechukwu admitted he was unhappy with aspects of Rangers’ second-half performance.
“We did not play our normal game in the second half, and honestly I am not too happy about that,” Ilechukwu said after the match.
“I must commend my defenders and goalkeeper because they stood strong under pressure and protected the result when it mattered most.”
The result secured Rangers another CAF Champions League ticket and kept them top of the NPFL table with 65 points, one ahead of Rivers United heading into the final round of fixtures.
Attention now shifts to Lagos, where Rangers will face Ikorodu City in a title-deciding encounter. Ilechukwu warned his players against losing focus despite moving within touching distance of the trophy.
“We are close, but the job is not finished yet,” he said.
“My players must stay humble, disciplined, and fully focused because the final game will decide everything.”
Rangers need victory in Lagos to guarantee the NPFL title regardless of Rivers United’s result against Katsina United in Port Harcourt.
The NPFL title race will now be settled on the final day as Rangers chase another historic league triumph under Fidelis Ilechukwu.
