Sad end to the season for Rangers despite qualifying for Champions League

The Nigeria Premier League season ended without the excitement associated with the game as Kano Pillars already emerged champions by "default" days to the conclusion of the season.

Rangers International Football Club of Enugu felt the pain of watching another season pass them by without a trophy as they could only finish second at the end of the 2011-12 season despite defeating Sharks 3-0 in their final match at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu this evening.

The Flying Antelopes would have been crowned champions if Ocean Boys were not expelled from the league for failing to honour two straight games as new champions, Kano Pillars lost 1-2 to Sunshine Stars in Ijebu-Ode.

The Enugu side would have ended the season on 64 points and Pillars 61.

However, Rangers home win ensured that they finish behind Pillars on 58 points from 36 matches and so will represent the country in next year’s CAF Champions League along with Pillars.

Lobi Stars, who were second on the table on 57 points before the final round of matches on Friday, slipped 3-1 at Kaduna United and so now finished third and will feature in next year’s CAF Confederation Cup.

‘The Flying Antelopes’ scored two quick goals in the third and fifth minutes to underline how serious they are taking this game.

Ifeanyi Edeh shot them ahead after just three minutes and two minutes later, Oghogho Oduokpe doubled the lead.

Three minutes from the end of the game, man of the match Chinedu Sunday grabbed a third goal.

The game saw three red cards – Sharks goalkeeper Ikechkuwu Ezenwa saw red after just 20 minutes for a foul on goal-bound Oduokpe, before Rangers defensive midfielder Emeka Eze was also sent off late in the first half after his second booking of the day.

Sharks substitute goalkeeper Gideon Gambo will also see red in the 71st minute after he punched Rangers striker Efe Yarhere. He was replaced by an outfield player Thompson Stowe.

Sharks had a few incursions at goal but overall Rangers controlled this fixture and deserved their victory.