Nine games were played over the weekend which spread to this Monday night in the Nigeria Premier Football League as we close-in on Matchday 16 matches.
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In this week’s edition of the series, five things to know in the NPFL, we summarise the top five things you need to know in the 2024/2025 NPFL on Matchday 16.
Two Coaches Resigned
The week saw two coaches resign on the job after they failed to get the desired points at home.
Coach Kenedy Boboye of Sunshine Stars was the first to throw in the towel, after Shooting Stars defeated Sunshine by 1-0 at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode on Saturday in the first match of the Matchday .
Coach Babaganaru of Akwa United followed suit in the last match of that matchday last Monday as Bendel Insurance held Akwa United to 1-1 draw in Uyo.
Both coaches have been replaced by the two team’s management of as team’s psychologist, Uko Ume replaced Babaganaru in the interim , Sunshine Stars have named Bala Abubakar as a substantive replacement for Kennedy Boboye.
Low Scores Wins Dominate
A total of 12 goals were scored in nine matches over the Matchday with seven victories as five of the victories returned a 1-0 marginal scoreline, separating the loser and the winner.
Only two matches saw more one goal out of the lot.
The strikers need to do more in front of goals for the fans to have more to celebrate in terms of goals scored in the league.
Kano Pillars Show Class Without Musa, Ali
Kano Pillars prevail in the North derby againat Katsina United without two of their talismanic attackers, Rabiu Ali and Ahmed Musa.
Rabiu Ali missed the encounter due to his call up to the camp of the Super Eagles B team who is currently preparing for the CHAN qualifying playoffs with Ghana later in December.
Ahmed Musa on the other side missed the match due to a knock as coach Musa Abdullah decided to rest the Super Eagles legend to avoid aggravation of the knocks.
Class is permanent they say, as the Mai Sui Gida proved they are king of the Savannah as roll away with the maximum three points .
Remo Regain The Top
Remo stars defeated Wl Kanemi Warriors 2-0 to regain top spot as Rangers defeated Rivers United by 1-0.
It’s a see-saw for the top spot in the league and it’s fast turning to the case which team is playing at home between Remo Stars and Rivers as either of the teams have occupied top of the log since the beginning of the season.
The winner of the league might be determined which team is able to able to win more on the road, presently, Rivers United is the best team on the road in the league.
The Finidi George led team might win the league if they can keep their consistency on the road as well at home .
Home Team Rules
Another thing that is prominent in the league on Match day 16 is the prevalence of home wins as away wins are reducing as we advance in the season.
The buzz created around the league by the away wins are weaning out and the followers of the league may need to get use to this reality as travelling teams are to buckle on the road, and prioritising their home games.
Matchday 16 Results At A Glance
Nasarawa United 1-0 Lobi Stars
Sunshine Stars 0-1 3SC
Rangers 1-0 Rivers United
Kano Pillars 1-0 Katsina United
Abia Warriors 2-1 Niger Tornadoes
Remo Stars 2-0 Elkanemi
Bayelsa United 1-0 Ikorodu City
Akwa United 1-1 Bendel Insurance
