Enugu Rangers have been crowned champions of the 2026 NPFL Invitational Pre-Season Super 6 after defeating Plateau United 1-0 in Sunday’s final at the New Jos Stadium.
The reigning Nigerian champions capped their Jos assignment with another piece of silverware, the triumph adds to Rangers’ confidence boost just days before the start of the 2026/27 campaign.
It also provides an encouraging platform for a demanding campaign in which Rangers will attempt to retain their domestic crown while representing Nigeria in the CAF Champions League.
Enugu Rangers won the 2026 NPFL Super 6 after defeating Plateau United 1-0 in Jos.
The Flying Antelopes had to navigate a competitive route to the final before meeting Plateau United for the second time in the tournament.
Their first encounter ended in a 2-2 draw, a result that sent both clubs into the knockout phase from Group A.
Rangers subsequently produced a more controlled performance against Mighty Jets, winning their semi final 2-0 to set up another meeting with Plateau United.
This time, one goal was enough. Rangers secured the 1-0 victory in the final to take the trophy back to Enugu.
READMORE: Ajayi claims first award of new Premier League season after stunning Manchester United
Meanwhile the Super 6 had attracted considerable attention even before the first ball was kicked, following the removal of Shooting Stars from the competition.
The Ibadan club had initially been included among the participants but was replaced by Mighty Jets after the NPFL objected to the squad submitted by 3SC.
The decision generated widespread debate, particularly because Mighty Jets are not currently an NPFL club and other topflight teams could potentially have filled the vacancy.
There were also questions from sections of the football community about the NPFL’s authority to determine the composition of a participating club’s squad for an invitational pre-season competition.
The controversy, however, did not prevent the tournament from producing competitive action. Mighty Jets progressed to the semi finals, while Rangers eventually emerged as the champions.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
NPFL said the Jos tournament was intended to provide clubs with meaningful competitive preparation rather than a series of routine friendly matches.
That objective was particularly relevant to Rangers, Rivers United and El-Kanemi Warriors, who are preparing for continental assignments alongside the new domestic season.
The Flying Antelopes will enter the new campaign as defending champions and they first assignment in the new NPFL season will come at home against Katsina United, with the 2026/27 campaign scheduled to begin between August 28 and 30.
