The 2024/25 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season has reached a critical juncture, with Matchday 29 delivering intense competition and some surprising shifts in the table. With just a few matches left to play, teams are battling for the title, continental spots, and survival in the league.
At the top of the table, Remo Stars FC lead the race with 54 points after 28 matches. Their impressive run of 17 wins, 3 draws, and 8 losses has put them in prime position for their first-ever NPFL title. With the best defense in the league, conceding just 22 goals, they look well-organized at the back while maintaining a solid attack. However, with six games left, they cannot afford to slip up, as Rivers United, Rangers International, and Ikorodu City are still within reach.
Rivers United, who sit second with 46 points, are still within striking distance despite having drawn more matches than they would have liked. They have managed just 12 wins in 28 games, but their strong defense (19 goals conceded) has helped them remain in the title picture. Their problem has been inconsistency in attack, with just 26 goals scored so far.
Rangers International, a historically strong side, occupy third place with 45 points but have played one game more than their rivals. They have been more balanced in attack and defense, scoring 32 goals and conceding 20, but they need a strong finish to the season to secure a continental spot.
Newcomers Ikorodu City FC have been the surprise package of the season, sitting fourth with 44 points. Despite their limited experience at this level, they have outperformed more established teams with an attacking style that has produced 40 goals—the second-highest in the league. Their challenge will be to maintain their form in the final stretch of the season.
The fight for CAF Champions League (CAFCL) and CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCC) qualification remains tight. The top two teams will qualify for the CAF Champions League, while third and fourth could earn a place in the Confederation Cup. Shooting Stars SC (43 points), Kano Pillars (42 points), Bendel Insurance (41 points), and Enyimba (41 points) are all in the running for continental qualification.
Among these teams, Shooting Stars and Kano Pillars have been solid defensively but need to improve their scoring rate to challenge the top four. Enyimba, the most successful Nigerian club in continental football, have been inconsistent this season but still have an outside chance of making the top four.
At the bottom of the table, Lobi Stars FC (23 points) face the biggest challenge, sitting last with only five wins all season. If they don’t turn things around quickly, they could face the drop.
Akwa United (28 points) and Sunshine Stars (32 points) are also in danger, struggling with defensive issues. Sunshine Stars have conceded 41 goals, the worst defensive record in the league, while Akwa United’s poor away form has hurt their chances of survival.
Other teams in the relegation battle include Nasarawa United, Bayelsa United, Heartland FC, and Plateau United—the latter suffering a 3-point and 3-goal deduction due to league violations, further complicating their survival hopes.
Final Thoughts
With just a handful of games left, the NPFL title race, continental qualification battle, and relegation fight are all still open. Remo Stars remain the favorites, but Rivers United and Rangers International will push them until the end. The fight for CAF spots is fierce, with multiple teams still in contention. Meanwhile, at the bottom, the pressure is mounting for clubs struggling to avoid relegation.
As the season reaches its climax, every point counts, and teams will need to bring their best performances in the remaining matches. Nigerian football fans can expect a thrilling conclusion to the 2024/25 NPFL campaign.
BY Fakorede King Abdulmajeed
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