Rangers International of Enugu have progressed to the next stage of the 2025 President Federation Cup, knocking out fellow NPFL giants Kano Pillars with a narrow 1-0 victory in their Round of 64 clash in Abuja.
The decisive goal came in the second half, courtesy of Chidozie Okorie, in a tightly contested and hard-fought encounter.
Following this win, coach Fidelis Ilechukwu and his squad will shift focus to their next NPFL fixture against Nasarawa United on matchday 30 in Lafia.
This victory not only keeps Rangers in contention for the President Federation Cup, but also strengthens their hopes for continental football next season. The tournament winner earns a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup, adding extra motivation for the Enugu-based side.
Rangers are currently sitting in third place in the NPFL, with nine games left in the season, meaning they are also chasing continental qualification via league standings.
Editorial
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Rangers International’s victory over Kano Pillars in the Round of 64 is a strong statement of intent from the Flying Antelopes. Eliminating one of Nigeria’s traditional football powerhouses at this early stage demonstrates both focus and ambition.
With their league campaign also going well, coach Fidelis Ilechukwu now faces the challenging task of balancing domestic league fixtures with cup commitments. However, having a chance to secure continental football through two different pathways is a position most clubs would envy.
Rangers have historically thrived in cup competitions, and this current squad seems determined to restore that reputation. Their ability to grind out narrow results, like the 1-0 win over Pillars, highlights a tactical discipline that could serve them well in the latter stages of both the cup and league.
The road ahead will demand squad rotation, consistency, and mental resilience. If they manage this carefully, Rangers could not only win silverware this season but also return to the continental stage, where their presence has been missed in recent years.
Did You Know?
- Rangers International are one of Nigeria’s oldest clubs, founded in 1970, and has won the Nigerian top-flight title seven times.
- Kano Pillars have won the NPFL title four times, with their last triumph coming in 2014.
- The President Federation Cup was formerly known as the FA Cup and is the oldest football competition in Nigeria.
- Rangers’ last Federation Cup title came in 2018, when they defeated Kano Pillars in a dramatic penalty shootout after coming back from 3-0 down.
- The winner of the President Federation Cup secures automatic qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup.
