The journey, which started on 30 September, last year with seven of the 10 Matchday 1 fixtures on display, has finally comes to its finish line. Today’s Matchday 38 encounters across 10 centres will decide two continental tickets for next season, as well as one – realistically – relegation place.
One of Remo Stars, Enyimba, Shooting Stars will join champions Rangers as Nigeria’s representatives in the 2024/25 CAF Champions League; while any of these teams plus either Plateau United or Lobi Stars will qualify for that season’s CAF Confederation Cup.
On the other side of the table, Heartland and bottom placed Gombe United have their final game in the elite division this evening, leaving two relegation spots to be filled on the last day of the season. In a sense, Doma United too are relegated, but for those who believe in miracle, it’s not over for the Savannah Tigers yet.
They will however have to cancel a 16-goal deficit between them and Akwa United, who must also lose to visiting Rivers United, But that escape from jail will not happen for Doma unless Sporting Lagos are defeated by Shooting Stars in Ibadan.
In addition to Akwa United and Sporting Lagos who are desperate to escape the drop, Bayelsa United, Niger Tornadoes, Kwara United and – perhaps – Kano Pillars are not safe yet.
In the battle for continental tickets, Remo will host Katsina United, Enyimba welcome Plateau United and Shooting Stars will be hosts to Sporting Lagos. The others are Plateau United away to Enyimba and Lobi Stars on the road to Kano Pillars.
Today’s fixtures (kickoff 4 pm for all matches)
Gombe v Rangers
Shooting Stars v Sporting Lagos
Bendel Insurance v Bayelsa United
Akwa United v Rivers United
Doma United v Abia Warriors
Remo Stars v Katsina United
Niger Tornadoes v Sunshine Stars
Kwara United v Heartland
Kano Pillars v Lobi Stars
Enyimba v Plateau United
