The 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster — filled with twists, late drama, and shifting narratives. With the title already clinched, the real battles now rage at both ends of the table: the desperate fight for survival and the thrilling chase for the final CAF Confederation Cup ticket.
In the heart of that continental race, two ambitious underdogs — Abia Warriors and Ikorodu City — are writing new chapters in their club histories. Abia Warriors, long-time league campaigners since their promotion under the stewardship of Pastor Emeka Enyama, have never tasted continental football. But this season, under the pragmatic leadership of Chairman John Obuh and the tactically adventurous Imama Amapakabo — affectionately known as Imamarimama — the Warriors are defying odds.
Their grit was on display Wednesday, snatching a vital point away to Niger Tornadoes after a bizarre mix-up between defender Idris Saidu and goalkeeper Iwu Emmanuel turned a harmless clearance into a shocking own goal. A lifeline delivered, just when it mattered most.
In Lagos, Ikorodu City showed their mettle in a pulsating 3-2 victory over an in-form Bayelsa United. Talisman Shola Adelani once again rose to the occasion, netting the decisive goal in the 52nd minute to keep their continental hopes burning bright.
Over in Aba, it was a vintage night for Brown Ideye, who rolled back the years with a sublime brace to power Enyimba past Kwara United in a crucial 2-0 win. The seasoned striker struck early in the 12th minute and returned just after halftime to seal all three points for the People’s Elephant.
Meanwhile, in Ibadan, Shooting Stars delivered a gritty performance to edge out fellow South-West rivals Sunshine Stars 1-0. The victory gave the Oluyole Warriors a much-needed cushion in the survival scrap, while Sunshine Stars’ fate was sealed — just waiting for official confirmation of relegation to the Nigeria National League next season.
In Enugu, Nasarawa United kept their hopes alive with a hard-fought 2-1 away win against already-doomed Lobi Stars. But whether this escape act becomes a full survival story remains to be seen, with two high-stakes matches left.
In Port Harcourt, Rivers United added salt to Rangers International’s wounds with a narrow 1-0 win. Rangers’ title hopes have long evaporated, and now their only path to the continent lies in a Federation Cup triumph.
In a surprise twist, Elkanemi Warriors brought the party to life by stunning newly crowned champions Remo Stars 2-0, playing behind close doors following the poor behavior of their fans in their home match against Ikorodu City,however,they had cause to celebrate with the exuberance of a team in “seventh heaven.”
Elsewhere, Katsina United left nothing to chance, edging Kano Pillars by a lone goal in a must-win Northern derby, while Emmanuel Amuneke could finally breathe a sigh of relief after his side’s commanding 2-0 win over Plateau United.
And in Benin, Bendel Insurance kept their continental flame alive with a crucial 1-0 victory over Akwa United, turning the heat up on their rivals ahead of a nail-biting season finale.
