The destination of this season’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) may be determined this Sunday as Matchday 35 are played across 10 centres. If Rivers United capitulate to Kano Pillars at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano this evening, and Remo overcome Niger Tornadoes at the Remo Stadium in Ijebu-Ode on Sunday, the Sky Blue Stars will lift the title for the first time, with three games to spare.
Kano Pillars versus Rivers United is the only fixture this Friday, while the remaining nine matches are fixed for Sunday. The Sai Masu Gida will be out for revenge as they lost the reverse fixture in Port Harcourt on Matchday 15 last 1 December.
Rivers United — and perhaps Ikorodu City — are the only sides remaining in the chase of Remo Stars for the title. The Pride of Rivers are on 58 points, seven points behind Remo Stars, while Ikorodu City, in their first season in the topflight, are third with 53 points.
Also on 53 points are Aba Warriors, but they have only plus one goal difference as against Remo’s plus 19.
Nigeria will field two teams from the NPFL in 2025/2026 CAF Champions League, and another in that season’s CAF Confederation Cup. That makes Nos. 2 and 3 significant. There are six other clubs — in addition to the current top four in contention for the other CAF Champions League spot. They are: Bendel Insurance, Rangers, Enyimba, Shooting Stars, Kano Pillars and Bayelsa United.
For the CAF Confederation Cup entry, even Heartland, who are leading the relegation zone, can still not be ruled out, if they win all their remaining matches and other fixtures go their way.
Continental competition for Ikorodu City will be advanced if they, at least, avoid defeat to Akwa United at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo. The home side are in the danger zone and will seeking revenge against the Lagos team, which won 4-1 in the first leg.
Fourth placed Abia Warriors are hosting Shooting Stars at the Umuahia Township Stadium with the Oluyole Warriors still believing that returning to African football is possible next season. Shooting Stars, who lie at No. 8 were victory 2-0 in the corresponding fixture.
At the Jos Stadium, Plateau United, at No. 11, welcome Bendel Insurance, who are placed fifth on the log. Insurance pipped their hosts 2-1 earlier in the season.
Rangers versus Enyimba used to be a top clash, but both sides have since fallen down the pecking order. As they file out from the dugout of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, both sides will have the maximum points in their minds, as that will boost their chances of a continental ticket. The first leg in Aba ended goalless.
In the relegation zone are Heartland, Akwa United, Sunshine Stars and Lobi Stars. But also vulnerable include El-Kanemi Warriors, Nasarawa United, Niger Tornadoes, Katsina United, Kwara United and Plateau United.
All the fixtures
Friday: Kano Pillars v Rivers United
Sunday: Nasarawa United v Heartland, Sunshine Stars v Katsina United, Plateau United v Bendel Insurance, Bayelsa United v El-Kanemi Warriors, Abia United v Shooting Stars, Akwa United v Ikorodu City, Kwara United v Lobi Stars, Rangers v Enyimba, Remo Stars v Niger Tornadoes
