Rangers International FC of Enugu were on Sunday crowned champions of Nigeria after a 32-year wait.
This came courtesy of the defeat of El Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri by four unreeled goals at the Enugu Stadium to finish top of the table on the final day of the season.
The Flying Antelopes finished on 63 points from 36 matches, three points ahead of runners-up, Rivers United.
Both teams will represent Nigeria in next year’s CAF Champions League, while third-placed Wikki Tourists, who defeated Sunshine Stars 2-0, will feature in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Chisom Egbuchulam fired a hat-trick to propel his club into the history books.
He stepped forward to give his team the lead after just after three minutes from the penalty spot after an El Kanemi defender handled a Bobby Clement shot inside his box.
Osas Okoro doubled the lead with a clinical finish after receiving a pass from Obinna Nwobodo in the 42nd minute.
Egbuchulam scored his brace in the 64th with the best goal of the day before he completed his hat-trick in stoppage time again from the penalty spot after El Kanemi goalkeeper, Kazeem Yekeen, brought down goal-bound Ifeanyi Egwim, who was seriously injured.
Yemen got a red card for the infringement, which will see Egwim seeking treatment abroad on Monday.
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