Rangers International FC has bolstered its attacking options with the acquisition of forward Ganiyu Gberefun, securing the player on a two-year deal ahead of the 2025-26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season. The 24-year-old striker, who joins from second-tier side Osun United, will remain with the Enugu-based club until 2027 as they aim to strengthen their push for domestic success.
Gberefun arrives at the seven-time NPFL champions following an impressive campaign in the Nigeria National League (NNL), where he netted 10 goals during the 2024-25 season. His contributions were pivotal in driving Osun United—nicknamed the Omoluabi Giants—to the NNL playoffs, showcasing the scoring prowess that caught Rangers’ attention. The move marks a significant step up for the young forward, transitioning from Nigeria’s second division to one of the country’s most storied top-flight clubs.
Head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu now faces an intriguing selection dilemma, with Gberefun set to compete for a starting position alongside veteran striker Godwin Obaje. The 31-year-old Obaje, a former NPFL top scorer, brings extensive experience to the roster, creating a dynamic blend of youth and seasoned talent in Rangers’ frontline. This strategic recruitment aligns with the club’s broader efforts to rebuild after finishing outside the league’s top four last season.
While financial terms of the transfer remain undisclosed, the signing underscores Rangers’ ambition to reclaim their status as title contenders. Known colloquially as the Flying Antelopes, the team last won the NPFL in 2016 but has consistently remained a competitive force in Nigerian football. Gberefun’s ability to adapt to higher-tier competition will be closely watched, particularly as clubs increasingly look to NNL prospects for cost-effective reinforcements.
The transfer also highlights the growing influence of Nigeria’s lower leagues in shaping top-division squads. With the NNL serving as a critical talent pipeline, players like Gberefun exemplify the potential for upward mobility within the country’s football ecosystem. His progression mirrors that of current NPFL stars such as Saturday Okon and Charles Atshimene, who similarly rose through the ranks before establishing themselves in the premier division.
As preseason preparations intensify, all eyes will be on how Ilechukwu integrates his new signing into a squad seeking to improve its offensive output. Rangers scored 42 goals in 38 matches last term—a mid-table figure that club officials hope Gberefun’s arrival will help augment. For the striker, the challenge lies in replicating his NNL form against stiffer defenses while navigating the heightened expectations that accompany a move to a historic club.
