By The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) 2025/2026 campaign comes to a decisive end today as teams battle for crucial victories in Matchday 38. The season has delivered thrilling moments for the clubs and their loyal fanbases alike. Now, the teams will take to the pitch one last time to cap off their efforts and draw the curtain on a memorable season.
While all matches are important and pivotal to the framework of the league, AfrikTimes has pinpointed some specific fixtures that carry much heavier weight, as they will decide the champions, the CAF Confederation Cup ticket holder, the teams that will eventually relegate, and those that will escape.
Before diving into the details, let us look at the baseline coming into the final day. League leaders Enugu Rangers and second-placed Rivers United have officially secured qualification for the next CAF Champions League tournament. At the other end of the spectrum, Bayelsa United and Wikki Tourists have already been mathematically relegated, having amassed just 40 points each from 37 matches. This leaves one more team to clinch the CAF Confederation Cup spot and two more teams to join the fallen teams.
Ikorodu City vs Enugu Rangers
This is one of the thrilling matches that will keep fans on their feet today. Interestingly, both teams need all three points to chase their dreams. While it might seem easy on paper, the stakes tell a different story. Enugu Rangers currently sit on top of the table with 65 points, just one point above Rivers United. An away victory over Ikorodu City would hand them the league title. On the other hand, Ikorodu City will look to claim all points on their soil, as winning is crucial in their race for a CAF Confederation Cup ticket. Notably, they are yet to lose any of their home games, having won 14 and drawn 4 in a total of 18 home matches. Ikorodu City sits fourth on the table with 58 points, two points behind Shooting Stars in the continental race.
In retrospect, Enugu Rangers have won all five previous matches against Ikorodu City both home and away. The reverse encounter saw Enugu Rangers clinch a 2-1 victory in Enugu. But now, the stakes are high for both sides; Ikorodu City will look to bank on their home advantage to battle against Rangers, while the latter will look to continue their unbeaten streak against them.
Rivers United vs Katsina United
Rivers United are second on the log with 64 points, just a point behind Rangers. They will play at home against Katsina United. A convincing win over Katsina United will boost their hopes for the title, depending on results between Ikorodu City and Rangers. A closer look at the standings shows this fixture holds far less weight for the visitors. Katsina United sit comfortably in eighth place with 52 points; a win won’t push them into continental places, and a loss won’t put them in danger of the drop. Rivers United desperately need the match, and they will surely utilize all tactics to claim maximum points and keep their hopes alive.
Niger Tornadoes vs Shooting Stars
Shooting Stars travel to Minna, Niger State, with a single mission: secure maximum points to seal their CAF Confederation Cup ticket. However, their hosts, Niger Tornadoes, are fighting for their lives. Tornadoes sit 18th on the log with 45 points, firmly entrenched in the relegation zone. They will undoubtedly play with everything they have, desperate to secure survival and keep their spot in the NPFL next season.
The home side will look to maximize all tactics and play with everything on the line against the desperate Shooting Stars squad for a place in the Nigeria Premier Football League next season. Both teams need all three points from this match, but by the nature of football, only one team can claim maximum points or share a point each, which in this case would not help either.
Bendel Insurance vs Remo Stars
7th-placed Bendel Insurance will host relegation-threatened defending champions Remo Stars in a game that proves to set records in the history of the Nigeria Premier Football League. In a dramatic plot twist, Remo Stars moved from winning the league title to currently battling relegation. They are 16th on the log with 46 points, tied with Kun Khalifat and Enyimba FC. While they sit just above the formal relegation slots, they are by no means safe. Bendel Insurance will certainly not go easy on their visitors, as they look to sign off their home campaign with a win, which could simultaneously send Remo Stars packing to the lower division
The Final Outlook
As the curtain falls on Matchday 38, the scenes across Nigeria’s stadiums are guaranteed to be dramatic. As things stand, the key to the league title rests squarely in Lagos. If Ikorodu City can manage a win or a draw against Rangers, it opens the door for Rivers United to snatch the trophy with a victory over Katsina United.
Rangers know they cannot rely on favors; they need maximum points to guarantee the championship. Fortunately, the agonizing wait is almost over. The 2025/2026 NPFL champions will be decided in just a matter of hours.
