The NPFL week 24 fixtures promise to be exciting as the league gets hotter and teams jostle to dethrone the defending champions, Enyimba of Aba.
Action resumes this weekend with matches across the country, in what could define the direction NPFL will end.
Five teams are in a neck-to-neck battle for the title of champions, with little separating them. The situation leaves little room for error.
Every week, the top position changes hands, and the trend seems set to continue, as some exciting NPFL fixtures are on the cards.
Here are our predictions of what to expect from the NPFL week 24 fixtures.
NPFL Fixtures: Week 24 predictions
Benin Arsenal to return to winning ways against strugglers Gombe United
Bendel Insurance has not found the going smooth in the NPFL this season. The Benin Arsenal have struggled to find form but hope to bounce back to winning ways.
Against the Savannah Scorpions in their NPFL week 24 game, the Benin Arsenal, who have just one win in their last five games, are confident of victory.
Bendel Insurance to win 2-0
Chanji Boys put home record on the table
Katsina United is one of the few teams yet to lose at home. They have only two draws at home this season.
Heartland is having a torrid season and starring relegation in the face. They have won only three games this season, but will they improve? It looks unlikely.
Katsina United to win 1-0.
Bayelsa United in survival mode
Bayelsa United has steadily climbed their way out of the relegation zone. They look more sturdy, and confidence is back in the squad.
They are three points above the relegation spot and have won three of their last four games, losing only to Remo Stars.
Against relegation-threatened Niger Tornadoes, they should get three points with a 2-0 win.
NPFL Debunks Reports Of Sanctions Against Tornadoes pic.twitter.com/uxkZtslULh
— Finnihblog.com.ng (@FinnihblogNg) March 8, 2024
Battle royale in Port Harcourt
The last time these two sides met, it took a last-minute effort by Rabiu Ali to give Kano Pillars all three points.
Pillars are smarting from a 0-1 home loss to Abia Warriors and will need a win to get back on the trail for the league title.
Expect some fireworks in this NPFL week 24 clash, but the Pride of Rivers should nick it 1-0.
Can the Ochendo Babes shock Lobi Stars?
Abia Warriors are unbeaten at home this season, but they have a massive test in their NPFL week 24 clash against League leaders Lobi Stars.
Last weekend, they secured their first away win of the season in a shocking 0-1 win against Kano Pillars.
Lobi Stars are the third-best team on the road this season.
Abia Warriors are confident at home and should scrape a 1-0 win.
Enugu Rangers look to extend winning run
The Flying Antelopes beat Niger Tornadoes 2-0 last week. The victory took their winning run to five games – the best in the league this season and put them in third on the log.
They have only dropped points once this season and hope to continue their winning run. Kwara United are also good on the road, with five draws.
In their first-leg clash with the Afonja Warriors, Rangers secured a 1-1 draw. They should win this one, but a draw will not be a surprise.
Doma to test Enyimba's home strength
Enyimba is not infallible at home. They have one loss this season and will find Doma United a hard nut to crack.
With six points on the road this season, the Savannah Tigers hope to slow down the title chase of the People's Elephant. They have to beware of the league's top scorer, Chijioke Mbaoma.
A slim win for Enyimba.
Plateau United take title chase to Akure
It has been a topsy-turvy season for Sunshine Stars, and they will have their hands full against second-placed Plateau United.
The Tin-City boys are one point behind league leaders Lobi Stars and a point would help their cause.
It should end in a draw.
Walking into the warrior's domain
The Promise Keepers will take their quest for survival to Ibadan. They find themselves in a position where every point counts.
The Oluyole Warriors are in a buoyant mood after their 1-1 away draw to relegation-threatened Gombe United.
Only three teams have managed to leave Ibadan with at least a point. Shooting Stars to win this one.
It's one of the biggest fixtures of the NPFL this Sunday.
It's the battle between two of the fiercest rivals in the country… Battle of the two most popular private owned clubs in Nigeria… It's the South West Derby baby! 🕺 🕺 🕺
Join us this Sunday pic.twitter.com/dTklX8Ukkt
— 👑 H.R.M King of NOWHERE 🇳🇬 (@King_Lumi01) March 8, 2024
South West derby to light up Lagos
The South West derby is on the cards this weekend. Sporting Lagos has been in fine form recently and will hope to take the scalp of title-chasing Remo Stars.
Sporting Lagos lost the first leg and seeks revenge. The NPFL week 24 tie has the trappings of a draw.
This article was most recently revised and updated 7 months ago
