As the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season enters its decisive stage, the race for continental tickets and the fight to avoid relegation have reached boiling point. With only seven matches left to play, clubs are battling fiercely to secure their objectives, ensuring an intense finish to an already thrilling campaign.
The NPFL provides three continental slots: two for the CAF Champions League (awarded to the league winners and runners-up) and one for the CAF Confederation Cup, given to the third-placed team or the Federation Cup winners. This season, four teams—Remo Stars, Rivers United, Abia Warriors, and Shooting Stars—are locked in an intense battle for these coveted spots.
Remo Stars leading the charge
Remo Stars with 60 points have continued their remarkable rise in Nigerian football, establishing themselves as strong contenders for a top-two finish. The Ikenne-based club have played 29 games so far (one game fewer) and have won 19, losing 8 and drawing 3 games.
Under coach Daniel Ogunmodede, Remo Stars have built a well-structured team that plays attacking football, producing 41 goals for the Ikenne side while conceding 22 goals.
If they maintain their current form, Remo Stars could secure a historic title and CAF Champions League qualification, cementing their status as one of the new forces in Nigerian football.
Rivers United’s late push
Rivers United with 52 points have been regulars in CAF competitions in recent years, and are once again in contention. The Port Harcourt-based side started the season slowly but have gathered momentum at the right time as they have played 31 games, winning 14, drawing 10 and losing 7.
In the process, the ‘Pride of Rivers’ scored 29 goals while conceding 21. Their experienced squad has shown resilience in crucial moments. With a few decisive fixtures ahead, Rivers United will need to maintain consistency to secure their return to Africa’s premier club competition.
Abia Warriors fighting for recognition
Abia Warriors with 50 points have been one of the surprise packages of the season. The Umuahia-based club has defied expectations, staying within reach of a top-three finish. While they remain underdogs in the race, Abia Warriors have shown they can hold their own against the league’s heavyweights having played 31 games, winning 15, drawing 5 and losing 11 while scoring 31 goals and conceding 27.
Shooting Stars’ resurgence
Shooting Stars who have earned 47 points having won 13 games, drawing 8 and losing 10 have made significant progress this season, playing some of the best football in the NPFL.
One of the oldest clubs in Nigerian football, the Ibadan-based club has a rich history, and their fans are dreaming of a return to continental action. Coach Gbenga Ogunbote has built a dynamic squad with young talents and experienced campaigners and his decision to blend youthful vigour with experience has yielded 31 goals while conceding 27.
If they can navigate their remaining fixtures successfully, Shooting Stars could return to the African stage after years of absence.
Quartet in danger of relegation to NNL
At the other end of the table, the battle to avoid relegation is just as intense. With four teams set to drop into the Nigeria National League (NNL), several clubs are desperately trying to stay afloat. Nasarawa United, Heartland, Sunshine Stars and Lobi Stars are among the teams fighting to secure their NPFL status.
It’s, however, not yet uhuru for Akwa United, Katsina United, Niger Tornadoes, El-Kanemi Warriors, Bayelsa United and Plateau United as any slip up from them can drag them down into the relegation zone.
Nasarawa United’s desperate fight for survival
Nasarawa United have found themselves in the relegation mix after a disappointing campaign. The Lafia-based club has struggled with consistency, and despite having the leading goalscorer in Anas Yusuf in their fold, they are still in a precarious position. With crucial fixtures ahead, they must find a way to grind out results to avoid dropping into the NNL. Now playing under a highly experienced tactician, Coach Salisu Yusuf, there is a glimmer of hope for the ‘Solid miners.’
However, their home form will be critical in the final stretch, as they look to take maximum points from their remaining fixtures to boost their survival chances.
Heartland battle to stay afloat
Heartland, a club with a rich history in Nigerian football, is facing a serious threat of relegation. The Owerri-based side has struggled throughout the season, with defensive frailties and lack of creativity in midfield proving costly. Despite moments of promise, they have been unable to string together consistent performances as shown in their recent home loss to neighbours Abia Warriors.
To survive, Heartland, managed by a former Tanzanian national team coach and Super Eagles legend, Emmanuel Amuneke, must capitalize on their home matches and hope their rivals slip up in the final weeks of the season.
