NPFL week 30 was postponed to Tuesday and Wednesday as the league enters the home stretch.
Enugu Rangers still sit atop the NPFL table, but they hold a precarious lead over the chasing pack of Remo Stars, Lobi Stars, Enyimba and Plateau United.
The battle has reached a fever pitch, and the margins for error have become slimmer. Any slip by the top chasing teams could prove catastrophic, and the title-chasing clubs know this.
Enugu Rangers go into the NPFL week 30 games knowing they must win against Abia Warriors to maintain their position at the top of the table.
The big question for the league followers is whether there will be changes in the top four after the NPFL week 30 matches.
NPFL Week 30: Rangers to remain top
Abia Warriors is on the menu at the Cathedral
Enugu Rangers will want to forget their experience at the hands of Abia Warriors when both sides clashed earlier in the season.
The defeat came at a time when the Flying Antelopes were going through a slump. The Coal City lads will host the Ochendo Babes at the Cathedral, knowing they still have the bit between their teeth.
For the Fidelis Ilechukwu side, it is not about vengeance but a battle for three points that could indicate where the title would end.
#NPFL24 Final Stretch begins
It's a packed schedule today
📺 #SHOLOB live on @StarTimes_Ng & @NPFL_Live 5:30pm 🇳🇬
📺 Also live on @NPFL_Live#ENYHEA#BENPIL#SPLSUN#AKWTOR
Not on TV ⤵️#RANABI#GOMKWA#BAYKAT#RIVPLA
🕓 Kick-offs from 4pm 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/FJMJ8aHvmm
— NPFL (@NigeriaPFL) April 16, 2024
Prediction: Enugu Rangers have shown they have a variety of goal scorers that can cause any team damage. Abia Warriors have their hands loaded, stopping Godwin Obaje, Kalu Nweke and Kazeem Ogunleye.
Rangers to win.
Can Heartland Owerri find redemption in Aba?
Enyimba sits in fourth place on the NPFL table but is hanging precariously to that position.
Their NPFL week 30 tie sees them host relegation-threatened Heartland in an oriental derby.
Enyimba lords it over every team in the South East except Enugu Rangers. They want to repeat their first-leg feat of beating Heartland in Owerri.
Last week, against Lobi Stars, Enyimba felt they should have gotten at least a point. The People's Elephant will want to make amends against the Naze Millionaires.
Prediction: Enyimba knows how to play the Eastern Derbies. They must be at their best against Heartland, who will not roll over easily.
Enyimba to win by a slim margin.
Doma United on tottering legs as Remo Stars enter the Tiger's lair
Remo Stars must be licking their lips at the prospect of taking on Doma United in their NPFL week 30 game.
The Savannah Tigers have not been in the best form since the beginning of the year. They have just two league wins this year, with three draws from 12 matches.
They may not be relegation-threatened, but their fortunes need to change quickly.
Real talk why is the Nigeria professional league the toughest league in the world to get an away win? 8% win rate for away teams is crazy.
Anybody know why? Please repost for wider audience. pic.twitter.com/ttJheGteG4
— Santi™ (@ThePeakSanti) April 16, 2024
Prediction: Remo Stars must get a positive result to put the heat on Enugu Rangers. They have an outstanding game, and a win against Doma United puts them in a solid position.
Remo will get at least a draw.
Rivers United seeks Plateau United's scalp
Rivers United have concluded their continental campaign – albeit on a sour note.
The Pride of Rivers finds itself in the relegation zone but has the advantage of six outstanding games.
If they are to return to the continent next season, they must win all their outstanding games. However, that sounds improbable rather than impossible.
If Enugu Rangers could string a five-game winning streak, Rivers United should be capable of it.
Their NPFL week 30 game pits them against Plateau United, who are also hunting for the NPFL title.
Prediction: Rivers United have been distracted by their continental assignments. They can now focus on the league. However, Plateau United will be a tough nut to crack.
Rivers United to get a slim win.
Can Shooting Stars continue their streak against Lobi Stars?
Lobi Stars will walk into a hot cauldron when they take on Shooting Stars of Ibadan in their NPFL week 30 game.
The Oluyole Warriors have been on a fine streak recently, with only two losses in their last 11 games.
The streak saw them win seven games and two draws. The wins include impressive victories over Kano Pillars in Kano and a home win over Remo Stars.
The Oluyole Warriors are brimming with confidence. They will fancy taking another three points off Lobi Stars, who struggled to be Enyimba last week.
Prediction: It is not easy to string seven wins and two draws in 11 games in the NPFL. The Oluyole Warriors have won all their last five home games, and this should be no different.
Shooting Stars to win.
This article was most recently revised and updated 32 seconds ago