2023/2024 NPFL Season: A great lesson of patience and consistency amidst unfavourable slips

Posted : 04 July 2024

Perhaps the greatest lesson from the just-concluded 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season is the importance of resilience, patience, and consistency.

The worthy winners of the 2023/2024 NPFL season, Rangers International FC, displayed an undeniable attitude of resilience and focus throughout the grueling 38 matches. They maintained their ambition and did not lose focus, playing mind games on other clubs who seemed more confident. By the time their rivals realized what was happening, the Flying Antelopes were already several points ahead in the race.

While Rangers International, coached by the experienced Fidelis Ilechukwu, did not initially look like strong contenders, this underestimation played a significant role in their success. Most clubs, especially the main contenders, didn't see them as a significant threat.

In the first half of the 2023/2024 NPFL season, Rangers International briefly held the first position on Match Day 5 with 10 points after defeating Kano Pillars FC 4-1 at their temporary home at Awka Township Stadium. The Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu was sanctioned for not meeting NPFL standards.

The Flying Antelopes showed grit by playing almost half of their league matches away from home, which did not prevent them from lifting the coveted trophy ahead of other clubs.

By all standards, Rangers International's coach, Ilechukwu, showed immense character. As a near-veteran in the league, he had previously guided rookie team MFM FC to continental football, coached Heartland FC, and led Plateau United to contend for the league's crown.

When drafted into the dugout of Rangers, Ilechukwu knew the task ahead and prepared himself without putting undue pressure on chasing the league crown from the start.

Many would have predicted the crown for Lobi Stars FC, who were consistent league leaders for 11 weeks before Rangers officially took over on Match Day 27 and held on firmly for the next 12 weeks, becoming worthy champions with a game to spare.

While it is a known fact that Rangers International did not start the league with much intensity, the team grew stronger and, once settled in the second half of the season, were unstoppable.

The team can credit Kazeem Ogunleye, who was instrumental in the midfield, and Kenneth Igboke, whose goal-scoring prowess earned national recognition.

Clubs such as Lobi Stars, 10-time winners Enyimba International FC, and Remo Stars also showed strong performances. Lobi Stars, who exhibited great passion, eventually settled for 6th place on the final day of the league.

In the final showdown, Rangers International emerged as champions with 70 points, boasting a record of 21 wins, 7 draws, and 10 losses. They had the best goal difference in the league at +23, scoring 56 goals and conceding only 33.

Second-placed Remo Stars were another club chasing the elusive crown. The 2023/2024 NPFL season marked their second time finishing second. They topped the league for 10 match days and showcased consistent performances thanks to their potent striker, Sikiru Alimi.

Remo Stars' coach, Daniel Ogunmodede, deserves credit for securing second place ahead of defending champions Enyimba International FC, who were also strong contenders for the league title.

Ultimately, the Sky Blue Stars secured a spot in the CAF Champions League, earning 65 points from 20 wins, 5 draws, and 13 losses. They had a goal difference of +14, scoring 53 and conceding 39.

Third-placed Enyimba International FC, who chased the league crown for prestige, faced setbacks due to point deductions. Their top scorer, Chijioke Mbaoma, won the Highest Goal Scorer award with 17 goals.

Shooting Stars, not strong contenders for the league crown, aimed for a continental slot. They finished in the top four after about 12 years, securing memorable wins, including a comeback victory over Kano Pillars.

Plateau United FC, outsiders in the race, finished fifth with 58 points, thanks to their highest goal scorer, Albert Hillary. Lobi Stars and Katsina United settled for 6th and 7th places respectively, with consistent performances throughout the season.

Rivers United focused more on the African challenge but struggled domestically, finishing 8th. Bendel Insurance, last season's record setters, finished 9th, while Sunshine Stars, under coach Kennedy Boboye, secured 10th place.

Kano Pillars FC, Abia Warriors, Kwara United FC, and Niger Tornadoes finished in the middle of the table. Relegation escapees Bayelsa United and Akwa United secured their top-flight status for another season.

Sporting Lagos and Doma United faced relegation, finishing 17th and 18th respectively. Heartland FC and Gombe United also faced relegation, ending the season in 19th and 20th places.

2023/2024 NPFL Season: A great lesson of patience and consistency amidst unfavourable slips

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