The 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) returns with Matchday 29 this weekend, marking the beginning of the last 10 matchdays of the season.
As the league enters its critical phase, we preview the top six matches that headline this weekend’s fixtures with ten teams pushing for three continental tickets.
Enugu Rangers vs Kwara United
Enugu Rangers will seek to bounce back from a disappointing 1-1 draw against Akwa United last weekend.
The Flying Antelopes are a few points behind retaining the title they won last season, but a win this weekend over the Afonja Warriors will give them a good chance to finish with a continental ticket.
Currently on 42 points, two points behind Ikorodu City, who occupy the third position and the last continental spot in the league.
Rivers United, who are also vying for a continental ticket, will go all out for a win over Kwara United, who have been inconsistent on the road but can be a tough challenger on their day.
This game promises to be interesting, as Kwara United are expected to maintain their defensive solidity, while pressure mounts on the Flying Antelopes to improve on their performance from last week. Kickoff is at 4 pm at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.
Elkanemi Warriors vs Rivers United
Rivers United’s resolve to challenge for a continental ticket will be tested again this weekend as they travel to Maiduguri to face Elkanemi Warriors in a fixture that promises to be intense.
Elkanemi has been consistent at home, maximizing their advantage of playing in front of their fans. Rivers United are expected to face huge resistance, and escaping Maiduguri with at least a point will keep them in the mix for a title challenge while consolidating their chance of making the continent.
Rivers United are currently second on the log with 44 points, two ahead of Rangers in fifth and eight points behind Remo Stars at the top.
Akwa United vs Shooting Stars
Akwa United will be keen to take all three points when they face Shooting Stars as they continue to rack up points to escape relegation. A win for Akwa United will serve as a warning to other relegation rivals of their readiness to retain their NPFL status.
This outcome is achievable, considering Shooting Stars’ free fall over the last six weeks, during which winning has been a rarity.
Remo Stars vs Heartland FC
It’s a weekend made for Remo Stars to move closer to winning the title as they host under-fire Heartland of Owerri. Heartland have endured a series of poor results, recording only one win in their last six matches. Remo Stars are overwhelming favorites to win, considering their superb home form this season.
Ikorodu City vs Enyimba FC
A win for newcomer Ikorodu City FC against multiple NPFL winner Enyimba would naturally be considered a huge upset, but it won’t be counted as such, given Ikorodu City’s impressive performance in the league.
In fact, the Isale Eko boys are the favorites going into this game, while Enyimba will struggle to catch up with their rich history. Back-to-back wins are on the cards for Ikorodu City after their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Lobi Stars in Lafia last Sunday.
Abia Warriors vs Bendel Insurance
Abia Warriors’ clash with Bendel Insurance promises to be another mouth-watering fixture. Both teams are delicately poised on 41 points and will seek to push their continental narrative further.
A win for either side could land them in the top three, depending on results elsewhere, as both teams have done well to remain relevant in the continental spot discussion.
The winner of the three points at stake will end up finishing among the top three at the end of the season.
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