Nigerian Football
RELEGATION BATTLES HIGHLIGHTS FINAL MATCH DAY OF NIGERIA FOOTBALL LEAGUE
BY PROMISE ETIM
The final round of matches in the regular
Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) season holds on Sunday, with two
teams expected to join Niger Tornadoes and Remo Stars to the lower division
from Group A, while three others are expected to drop alongside Yobe Desert
Stars from Group B.
www.npfl.ng previews
what could be an intriguing day of action across 12 different venues in the
country.
Group
A
Aside from Rangers International, Lobi
Stars, Enyimba International and playoff chasing MFM of Lagos, six teams
(Bendel Insurance, Rivers United, Katsina United, Wikki Tourists, Sunshine
Stars and Kwara United) are faced with difficult task of beating the drop, as
only two of these six teams play themselves (Rivers United v Bendel Insurance).
Rivers United as at Matchday 17 were
relishing the prospects of a playoff spot, but that dream went up in smoke on
Matchday 21 when they were beaten 1-0 by Rangers International in Enugu.
They face Bendel Insurance, who got promoted to the top flight in the previous campaign.
A
draw for both sides could be enough to keep them in the premier division, but
the outcome of Rivers United and Bendel Insurance’s clash in Port Harcourt,
will also be dependent on what transpires between Sunshine Stars and MFM FC at
the Akure Township Stadium. Rivers United and Bendel Insurance are on 28 points
apiece, a win with two goals advantage for Sunshine Stars and draw in Port
Harcourt could turn the tide, as all three teams could end up on 29 points,
with Rivers United going into the matchday with a zero goal difference.
Katsina United could also avoid the drop
if they beat seven-time champions Enyimba at home.
A
win for Abdullahi Biffo’s men could take them to 30 points, but the task seems a
difficult challenge as the visitors Enyimba FC are aware if they slip in
Katsina, MFM FC could leapfrog them to the third playoff spot, if the Lagos
side win in Akure, away to Sunshine Stars.
Wikki Tourists host leader Rangers
International, who have already qualified for the playoff.
A win for Aliyu Zubairu’s men in their adopted home ground (the Pantami Stadium in Gombe), could see them take their points haul to 30 and that should guaranteed their safety.
Kwara United also are with a slight chance of beating the drop, as they travel to already-relegated Niger Tornadoes.
Kwara
United’s chances will solely be dependent on matches from other venues. While
Rivers United host Insurance in Port Harcourt, Kwara United could drop neither
of them to the relegation zone if they secure a win in Minna.
While others will be hoping to survive on
Sunday, Lobi Stars will be hoping to cement their place in the playoff, when
the visit Remo Stars at Sagamu, with the latter already planning for life in
the lower division.
Group
B
Akwa United, Kano Pillars and FC
Ifeanyiubah are the only teams that are safe. With Akwa and Pillars having
secured their places in the playoff on Matchdays 20 and 21 respectively, FC
Ifeanyiubah will be hoping to do so on Matchday 22, when the host Akwa.
FC Ifeanyiubah need only a draw against
the Uyo-based side to book their place in the Super-6.
Defeat
for them, could mean Nasarawa United, El-Kanemi Warriors and Delta Force could
leapfrog them to third spot, if they secure wins in their respectively games.
If such scenario emerges, Nasarawa United
can pick the final playoff spot, by securing a win away to already-relegated
Yobe Stars, while El-Kanemi will need to win with two goals advantage at the
Okigwe Township Stadium, against Heartland FC. However, given the same scenario
of FC Ifeanyiubah slipping at home, Delta Force might need to get an eight-goal
haul to improve their goals difference when they host relegation-threatened
Plateau United.
Also banking on a positive result on
Sunday to qualify for the playoff, any of Nasarawa United, El-Kanemi and Delta
Force could also be relegated if Plateau United, Abia Warriors, Heartland,
Gombe United and Go Round secure wins in their respectively games.
Maikaba’s Plateau United could be relegated
if they fail to secure at least a point in Asaba away to Delta Force depending
on results elsewhere.
A
draw for the 2017 champions might just not be enough to keep them in the top
division if Heartland FC get a win at home to El-Kanemi Warriors in Okigwe.
Abia Warriors’ 2-2 draw in Uyo on Matchday
21, may not be enough to guarantee their safety, as they need to finish the job
against Kano Pillars at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
Abia
Warriors are level on 28 points with Heartland, with a better goals difference
than their neighbours and may need to score more goals to avert danger,
assuming the Owerri side improve on their goals difference with a big margin
win (against El-Kanemi), and the rest of the teams threatened by relegation win
their respective games.
Gombe United and Go Round have outside
chances of beating the drop, but one of them will have to experience life in
the lower league as both teams clash in Omoku on Sunday.
A draw could still see both teams relegated, but a win could salvage one of them. Go Round are however disadvantaged, with a negative goals difference of six, meaning they need to win with a margin of at least five or six goals, to stand a chance, depending on results from other venues.
All games are billed to kickoff by 4pm this Sunday at the 12 different venues.
The
fixtures
Group A
Wikki Tourists v Rangers
Rivers United v Bendel
Insurance
Remo Stars v Lobi Stars
Niger Tornadoes v Kwara United
Katsina United v Enyimba
Sunshine Stars v MFM
Group
B
Yobe Stars v Nasarawa United
Go Round v Gombe United
Delta Force v Plateau United
Abia Warriors v Kano Pillars
FC Ifeanyiubah v Akwa United
Heartland FC v El-Kanemi
By Kunle Solaja.
Nigeria’s planned participation in a four-nation invitational tournament later this month is facing serious uncertainty after a significant escalation in Middle Eastern tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
The Super Eagles were scheduled to compete in Amman, Jordan, from March 27 to 31, alongside Iran, Jordan and Costa Rica, as part of preparations for future competitive fixtures and squad building. But recent geopolitical developments have cast doubt over whether the event can still go ahead as planned.
An official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed to Sports Village Square that the situation is being closely monitored, with security and travel concerns emerging as key factors in deciding the tournament’s fate.
The doubts stem from joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, which triggered a sharp escalation in hostilities and sparked retaliatory actions across the region, including reports of attacks and counter-attacks in neighbouring countries.
The unfolding crisis has already led to airspace closures, flight cancellations and broader travel disruptions in the Gulf and Levant, complicating international travel plans for teams and supporters alike.
The Super Eagles had planned to open the tournament against Iran on March 27 at the Amman International Stadium before facing hosts Jordan four days later. However, Iran’s participation itself is now in question as the security situation deepens and Iranian football authorities weigh their options amid the conflict.
The tournament was seen as a valuable opportunity for head coach Eric Chelle to assess his squad in a competitive setting before the next major competitions, which include the 2027 Afcon qualifiers.
Jordan, who will make their own debut at the 2026 World Cup, was using the event to build momentum on home soil, but the escalating crisis places not just Nigeria’s fixtures at risk, but the entire mini-tournament.
The NFF has not yet announced an alternative plan should the tournament be cancelled or postponed.
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Matchday drama unfolded across centres in the Nigeria Premier Football League(NPFL) as title contenders stumbled, traditional powerhouses flexed their muscles, and the race for continental places tightened significantly.
Rivers United’s grip at the top suffered a dent after a shock 1–0 defeat to Bayelsa United in a tense South-South derby. The slim victory handed Bayelsa a crucial three points while slowing Rivers’ momentum at a critical stage of the season.
The biggest statement of the weekend came from Bendel Insurance, who dismantled Ikorodu City 4–0 in a ruthless display. Insurance were clinical from start to finish, overpowering their visitors and boosting both their goal difference and their standing in the upper half of the table. For Ikorodu City, who had been firmly in the mix near the summit, the heavy loss could prove costly in the long run.
Enugu Rangers also strengthened their position with a composed 2–0 victory over Nasarawa United. The Flying Antelopes controlled proceedings and capitalised on their chances, ensuring maximum points against a direct rival in the race for honours. With Rivers United dropping points, Rangers’ win significantly narrows the gap at the top.
In Aba, Enyimba were held to a 1–1 draw by Kun Khalifat in a fiercely contested encounter. The People’s Elephant had to settle for a point despite home advantage, a result that may affect their ambitions of climbing into the continental qualification spots.
Elsewhere, Niger Tornadoes and Warri Wolves played out a goalless draw in a tightly fought affair where defences dominated, and clear chances were scarce.
Remo Stars continued their battle against relegation with a 2–0 triumph over Katsina United in Ikenne.
Remo Stars begin redemption course with a 2-0 defeat of Katsina United
Ibadan, Shooting Stars delighted their supporters with a spirited 2–1 victory over Kano Pillars. The Oluyole Warriors demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline to edge the encounter, keeping their push for a higher finish on track.
Sunday Results
- Bayelsa United 1-0 Rivers United
- Bendel Insurance 4-0 Ikorodu City
- Enugu Rangers 2-0 Nasarawa United
- Enyimba 1-1 Kun Khalifat
- Niger Tornadoes 0-0 Warri Wolves
- Remo Stars 2-0 Katsina United
- Shooting Stars 2-1 Kano Pillars
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The race for promotion in the 2025/2026 season of the Nigeria National League (NNL) has gathered momentum, with relegated sides Akwa United and Doma United pushing strongly for an immediate return to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Both former top-flight campaigners have shown resilience since dropping to the second tier last season. Akwa United currently lead Conference B with a game in hand, underlining their determination to bounce back at the first attempt. Meanwhile, Doma United sit atop Conference C despite suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Sokoto United on Matchday 11.
Southern Conference Delivers Drama
Matchday 11 in the Southern Conference produced thrilling encounters, further tightening the race for promotion.
In Conference A, two away wins, one home victory and a draw defined the round. The headline fixture between table-toppers Inter-Lagos FC and second-placed Beyond Limit FC ended in a goalless stalemate in Abeokuta. The result ensured Inter-Lagos maintained their grip on first place, though Beyond Limit remain firmly in contention.
Elsewhere, Smart City edged Edel FC 1-0, Gateway United secured a similar 1-0 win over Crown FC, while Sunshine Stars boosted their campaign with a convincing 2-0 triumph over Abia Comets. The victories have intensified the competition in what is shaping up to be one of the most closely fought groups in the league.
Conference B: Akwa United Hold Firm
Conference B continues to heat up as teams battle for supremacy. Osun United claimed a crucial 1-0 away victory at Abakaliki FC, while Rovers FC defeated Stormers 1-0 in Calabar.
Despite the pressure from chasing teams, Akwa United remain firmly in control at the summit. With a game in hand, the Promise Keepers are well-positioned to strengthen their promotion bid in the coming weeks.
Conference C: Doma United Stay Ahead
In Conference C, Sokoto United handed leaders Doma United a 1-0 setback, but the defeat did little to dislodge them from the top. Doma remain on 19 points, narrowly ahead of FC Basira, who climbed to 18 points after a 2-0 win over Lobi Stars.
The slim margin between the top sides suggests a tense battle ahead, with every point likely to prove decisive in the quest for a top-two finish.
Conference D: Northern Battle Intensifies
Yobe Desert Stars moved temporarily to the summit of Conference D with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ranchers Bees, taking their tally to 15 points. Jigawa Golden Stars edged Adamawa United 1-0, while Gombe United and Kebbi United settled for a goalless draw.
Promotion Race Wide Open
With each conference producing unpredictable outcomes, the NNL promotion race remains delicately poised. For traditional heavyweights Akwa United and Doma United, the objective is clear: secure one of the coveted promotion spots and return to the Nigeria Elite League.
As the season progresses, the intensity is expected to rise further, with fans across the country watching closely to see which clubs will earn the right to rejoin Nigeria’s top-flight next season.
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