The 2015/16 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matches brought loads of excitement and suspense – but none could compare with that of the season’s grand finale.
Enugu Rangers finally ended their 32-year title drought with a resounding 4-0 victory over El-Kanemi Warriors on Sunday.
Aside the triumph of the Flying Antelopes, here are five other key events that took place as the league climaxed.
- FC IfeanyiUbah miss continental place
FC IfeanyiUbah came into their final fixture needing a draw at Mountain of Fire Ministries FC (MFM FC) to end the season in third-place and qualify for continental football. This however didn’t happen as MFM retained their topflight status with a 1-0 victory while Wiki Tourists beat Sunshine Stars 2-0 to leapfrog FCIU to third place.
- Kano Pillars’ coach quits
Kano Pillars endured a disappointing season in which the four-time champions ended the campaign in 7th place with 53 points. One consequence of this dismal campaign was the job of head coach, Baba Ganaru.
“Yes I have resigned,” Ganaru told SuperSport on Sunday night. “My contract has ended so I had to put in my resignation letter.”
- Obaje misses one of two targets
Wiki Tourist marksman, Godwin Obaje, failed to score in his last two games but still claimed the top-scorer’s crown. He notched 18 goals to fend off competition from Chisom Egbuchulam, Ismaila Gata Adeshina and Abdulrahman Bashir.
“I set out two targets at the start of the season to win the league title and the highest goal scorer award,” the skilful forward said.
“I’m not disappointed that we did not win the league but I’m happy I achieved the individual award.”
- Career-threatening injury for Rangers ace
Enugu Rangers’ title jubilation was marred by a horrific career-threatening injury suffered by Ifeanyi Egwim barely eight minutes after replacing Ocheme Edoh. The striker was taken directly to the hospital after it appeared he had fractured his left shin in a challenge with El-Kanemi goalkeeper, Kazeem Yekini.
“Don’t despair, we will fly him abroad for proper treatment,” Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, promised after the game.
- Relegation for Warri Wolves
From competing for the league title a season ago, Warri Wolves have been relegated to the second tier of Nigerian football. The Seasiders went down despite beating Ikorodu United 1-0 on Sunday. Wolves have constantly been a force in the league in the last decade as well as participating in CAF competitions. However, 45 points from 36 games was certainly not enough as they will join Giwa FC and Ikorodu to play in the lower ranks next season.
