The Nigerian football league is one of the well-known football leagues in Africa that has been a cynosure of attention for many sportsbooks. In this article, we will be going into details about the league and also buttress on some NPFL odds, NPFL predictions, and tips you should be privy to.

Our NPFL Predictions

*Odds are subject to change

Teams in the Current NPFL Season (2021/2022)

There is no way you are going to maximize NPFL predictions if you are not conversant with the teams currently playing this year. The 2020 season was particularly eventful because it was the beginning of a first. Akwa United lifted their first NPFL trophy since the history of the Nigeria Professional Football League prediction. Not many NPFL predictions by experts saw that coming because Enyimba FC were strongly expected to win. The People’s Elephants have been top contenders for years and it is no surprise they have eight league titles to their belt. However, this trophy was snatched from their grip last season.

Asides from Enyimba FC, we will be seeing other top teams like Enugu Rangers, Lobi Stars FC, Heartland FC, Sunshine Stars FC, Kano Pillars, and a lot more.

However, a few teams like the Jigawa Golden Stars, Warri Wolves, Ifeanyi Ubah United and Adamawa United FC won't be making it to the league this time as they are relegated. Teams like Shooting Stars, Niger Tornadoes, Remo Stars FC, Gombe United are coming to the league from the lower division.

This season promises to be exciting. With Akwa United being a defender of the title, we expect them to step into the league with a different swagger. Without any doubt, Enyimba will be fighting hard to retain their spot as the top champion.

NPFL 2021 Favourites and Odds

Like we have hinted earlier, this season promises to be an exciting one because of the recent turnaround. There have been a series of nigeria professional football league prediction from experts about who they think will win the league this season. Based on popular opinion and bookies' favourites, there are six main contenders. They include Akwa United, Enyimba FC, Nassarawa United, Kwara United, Rivers United, and Kano Pillars.

It comes as no surprise that Akwa United and Enyimba FC are leading the pack. Akwa United has a lot to prove after winning it the last time and will be looking to strike a back-to-back win. Enyimba FC on the other hand, after sorely losing, will be gunning for a comeback. To emphasize how serious Enyimba is about clinching the title again, they have made notable transfers. They have brought in the likes of Abel James, Samuel Kalu, Fatai Oluwadayo, Chigozi Obasi, and Olorunleke Ojo (a goalkeeper). With their team getting solid by the day, there is a lot to expect from them this season.

NPFL Betting Tips

Past NPFL Champions

One way to make the right NPFL predictions is to study the trajectory of the competition in the past years. This will give you an understanding of who the major contenders are over the years and you will be able to tailor to NPFL predictions to fit. As we have already mentioned earlier, Enyimba FC remain a top contender. The club have won the league eight times since it came to the limelight and are still waxing stronger. Another top contender is the Enugu Rangers. Enugu Rangers have so far won the title seven times.

In the list below, we will be showing you some of the past winners since 2010.

  • 2021 – Akwa United
  • 2019 – Enyimba FC
  • 2017 – Plateau United
  • 2016 – Enugu Rangers
  • 2015 – Enyimba FC
  • 2014 – Kano Pillars
  • 2013 – Kano Pillars
  • 2012 – Kano Pillars
  • 2011 – Dolphins FC
  • 2010 – Enyimba FC.

How to pick the best bookmaker for NPFL predictions

The tendency of your NPFL predictions to yield massive results is sometimes dependent on the bookmaker you choose to play with. There are things you should look out for when picking a bookie, and in this section, we will be brushing upon them.

Here are pointers to look out for when picking a bookie:

The Legitimacy of the Bookie

One mistake you don't want to make is placing bets on a bookie that is not tested and trusted. Not only will you be unable to get your winnings, but your details could also end up being compromised. Before using a bookie to stake on some of the NFL odds, you want to check if they are legit. The best way to confirm the legitimacy of a bookie is to check if they have a license from the top regulatory bodies in Nigeria. If you can't find that information, there is a good chance that the bookie will be fraudulent.

The Odds

Another very crucial factor that shouldn't be ignored when choosing a bookie is the odds offered. It is always advisable to compare odds offered between bookies and settle for the one that offers the highest odds. In essence, when you settle for the bookie that offers the highest odds on NPFL games, you stand a chance to win higher.

Promotional Offers

This might not be the first thing you should look out for in a bookie, but it should be considered as well. Some bookies offer better promotional offers than others. Before settling, look out for the bonuses they have for new users and existing users alike.

Features

There are notable features that make betting on a bookie more delightful than others. You are better serviced when you choose a bookie that comes fully packed with features. Features like cash out, live betting shouldn't be left out from the bookie you pick because they are very key. The cashout feature could help you have control over the outcome of your bets. On the other hand, the live betting feature makes it possible for you to bet on live games. In essence, be mindful of these features as you make your choice.

Markets

One of the key things that separate a good cookie from a bad one is the markets they have in store. Since you are particularly maximizing your NPFL predictions, you want a bookie with a great deal of betting markets on the league. Gone are those days when betting is only about winning or drawing options. Go for bookies that give you a plethora of options to bet on as that helps to improve your winning chances by a great margin.

NPFL Predictions - Akwa United

How to bet on the NPFL?

Knowing how to make the right NPFL predictions can be a struggle when you don't have the right pointers. Here are some factors you should be privy to, to help you make more informed betting decisions on NPFL.

Check head-to-head

More often than not head-to-head information gives you a clearer perspective of which team is in better form or not. If you see a team that has won four out of their last five games, you are more likely to favour them in your NPFL predictions than a team with just one win in their last five games. This is like a no-brainer. The head-to-head also gives you information on the last few times that the two teams have been paired together. Sometimes, there are patterns that you should be mindful of.

Check the lineup

The lineup information usually comes up about two hours before the game begins. This information, regardless of how unnecessary it may seem, is very important to making the right predictions. You want to know if the teams you are using their full squad, which players are on injury, etc. If for example you find out from the lineup information that the top striker of your team is injured, betting on them to win is a long shot. Before you finalize your NPFL predictions and place your bets, always check the lineup.

Check the weather

Something as basic as the weather can affect the outcome of a match. If the weather of the location promises to be tough, like heavy downpour, this could affect the players' performances. In turn, when the players' performances are affected, the outcome of the game will also be affected too. So, before you settle for your NPFL predictions, always look out for the weather. It is advisable to bet on games where the weather conditions are not dreadful.

This article was most recently revised and updated 3 years ago

Greg is a Sports content writer. He has many years of experience in Sports Writing. He was a writer for Opera News and is Editor-in-Chief at GoalBall.