30/05/2026
The original NPFL trophy 🏆 has now been delivered to the newly crowned NPFL 🇳🇬 champions, Rangers International F.C of Enugu .
Many people have been asking why a different trophy was initially presented to them in Lagos after they sealed the historic title. 🤷🏻♂️
🗣️ Here’s what really happened 👇🏾
Before the final day of the NPFL season, Enugu Rangers were just one point ahead of Rivers United in the title race. The league management believed it was more likely for Rivers United to win their final home game in Port Harcourt than for Rangers to defeat Ikorodu City away in Lagos.
Ikorodu City desperately needed a result because they were still fighting for a CAF Confederation Cup spot, which made Rangers’ task look even more difficult.
Due to that expectation, the original NPFL trophy was sent to Port Harcourt ahead of Rivers United’s final home match against Katsina United, so it would be ready in case they became champions.
However, Enugu Rangers shocked many people (including the league management) by securing a massive away 2-1 victory in Lagos to officially seal the league title. Once Rangers confirmed their triumph, it became impossible for the NPFL management to transport the original trophy from Port Harcourt to Lagos immediately.
As a result, the league organisers had to quickly present Rangers with another customised trophy (reportedly similar to the Federation Cup trophy) so the players and fans would still have something to lift during their title celebration in Lagos.
A few days later, the original NPFL trophy was finally delivered to Rangers in Enugu State, where the true champions were officially handed the authentic silverware.
Aziaboi Afs
