The struggle for the top: NPFL's title race heats up

With only 10 points separating the top eight teams, Nigeria’s Professional Football League is promising another heated title race that may once again be decided on the very last day.

Of these eight teams in the battle for the title, six have lifted the NPFL trophy, and all feel they can do it this time. The newcomers, Remo Stars, who are just 5 points off the top, will be looking to engrave their name in the history books by winning their first-ever NPFL Cup.

For us fans, these remaining ten league games will be nothing short of blockbuster entertainment as these teams go neck and neck to claim the number one spot. But which team is going to win the NPFL title come June?

Enugu Rangers lead the race and will look to end their 7-year NPFL title drought. But with just a 3-point lead and a 10-point difference between 8th place, the NPFL is still very much up for grabs.

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Favourites To Win NPFL

Enugu Rangers, Enyimba, Lobi Stars, Remo Stars, and Plateau United occupy the 1st-5th position are the favourites to win the NPFL this season. They’ve been consistent while averaging the best goal difference all season.

Besides their exceptional performance, four of these five teams have lifted the title in the past. Enyimba clinched the trophy last season and have won the most league titles(9), an achievement that might make them the greatest football club in Nigeria.

First-place Enugu Rangers, who boast of the best goal difference this season, are on the hunt to win their 7th NPFL title to end their 7-year drought. Third-place Lobi Stars, who won their first-ever NPFL trophy in 2018 and came close the following year, believe they can claim their second title.

But it wouldn’t be a surprise if 5th-place Plateau United eventually lift the league cup in June. They won their first title back in 2017 and were on course to win it again in the 2019-20 season before the NPFL tournament was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Plateau United have scored the most goals this season, and maintaining this attack momentum might give them the upper hand in this pulsating title race.

Remo Stars Looking For First NPFL Title

Remo Stars want to crown their 20 years of existence with the club’s first-ever NPFL title. The Ogun-based side came extremely close to glory last season, but eventually lost it on the final day to Enyimba by goal difference.

Undeterred by the heart-breaking loss, Remo Stars continued their incredible form into this season and currently sit in 4th place with a game in hand and just 5 points between them and the league leaders. In terms of overall performance, Remo Stars have the 4th best goal difference, 2nd best home form, and 4th best away form this season.

With the club’s consistent performance, it's no surprise that Remo Stars remain a favourite to win the NPFL title this season. They host 17th-place Akwa United on Saturday and are confident of snatching a crucial win that propels them to second place.

Home/Away Factor To Decide The Winner

The idea of home-team advantage is nothing new in football. But in the NPFL, it’s a serious phenomenon that can play a crucial role in who eventually wins the trophy.

So far in the league this season, 8 out of 20 teams haven’t lost any of their 14 home games. Even Heartland Owerri in last place has only lost 3 of 14 home games. And of the 20 NPFL teams, 11 are undefeated in their previous five games.

On the away side, 12 of 20 teams are winless in their last five games, while 7 teams have lost at least four in their last five away games.

This may seem like a one-season thing, but it has been happening for so long that Nigerian teams are expected to win or draw almost every home game. And with about five home and five away games left for each team, who wins their away games could be the ultimate decision of who wins the 23/24 NPFL title.