With Remo Stars having already clinched the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title, attention has now shifted to the fierce contests for continental qualification and topflight survival, as the season barrels toward a dramatic conclusion.
In the race for CAF inter-club slots, Abia Warriors and Ikorodu City are emerging as unlikely contenders. Abia Warriors, a mainstay in the league since their promotion under Pastor Emeka Enyama, have never qualified for continental football. But this season, the combined leadership of John Obuh and Imama Amapakabo has injected new belief. Their resilience was on display midweek in a 1-1 draw at Niger Tornadoes, thanks to a last-minute own goal resulting from a mix-up between Idris Saidu and Iwu Emmanuel a stroke of fortune that may yet prove pivotal.
In Lagos, Ikorodu City boosted their continental ambitions with a thrilling 3-2 victory over in-form Bayelsa United. Star forward Shola Adelani delivered once again, scoring the decisive goal in the 52nd minute to secure all three points.
Elsewhere, Enyimba relied on the experience of Brown Ideye, who netted a brace in a 2-0 home win over Kwara United, keeping the Aba giants in contention for a continental berth. Ideye opened scoring in the 12th minute and doubled the tally shortly after the break.
Shooting Stars, battling relegation, edged Sunshine Stars 1-0 in a tense South-West derby in Ibadan. While the Oluyole Warriors gained valuable breathing space, Sunshine Stars now face the grim prospect of dropping into the Nigeria National League (NNL), with their fate no longer in their own hands.
Nasarawa United kept their survival hopes alive with a determined 2-1 away win over relegated Lobi Stars in Enugu. With two crucial matches remaining, their chances of staying up remain intact.
Also Read: NPFL: Ikorodu City Edge Bayelsa United 3–2
In Port Harcourt, Rivers United deepened Rangers International’s woes with a 1-0 win. Rangers, out of the title race, now pin their hopes on a Federation Cup victory to secure a continental ticket.
In one of the round’s biggest surprises, El-Kanemi Warriors stunned champions Remo Stars 2-0. Despite the match being played behind closed doors due to fan misconduct in a previous fixture, the Maiduguri side gave the champions a guard of honour before delivering a convincing performance.
Katsina United triumphed 1-0 in a high-stakes Northern derby against Kano Pillars, while Emmanuel Amuneke’s side finally found form with a 2-0 win over Plateau United.
Meanwhile, in Benin, Bendel Insurance intensified the chase for continental spots with a crucial 1-0 win over Akwa United.
Final Sunday Fixtures (All matches kick off at 3pm)
-
Remo Stars vs Ikorodu City
-
Bendel Insurance vs Heartland
-
Plateau United vs Lobi Stars
-
Nasarawa United vs Enyimba
-
Kwara United vs Rivers United
-
Rangers International vs Katsina United
-
Kano Pillars vs Shooting Stars
-
Sunshine Stars vs Niger Tornadoes
-
Abia Warriors vs El-Kanemi Warriors
-
Akwa United vs Bayelsa United
As the curtain prepares to fall on a season filled with tension, drama and unforgettable moments, all eyes will be on Sunday’s fixtures to determine who celebrates continental qualification and who suffers the heartbreak of relegation.
