The NPFL week 26 games promise plenty of excitement as there are top matches this weekend to titillate the buds of league fans.
The NPFL 2023/24 season has hit the business end, with the competition for places in the top four and winning the league getting fierce.
Lobi Stars sit atop the league table with 44 points but will face a severe test when they travel to Enugu for their NPFL week 26 against Enugu Rangers.
The Enugu Rangers v Lobi Stars game is perhaps the star game of the weekend.
The other NPFL week 26 game that will provide plenty of excitement is the South West derby between Shooting Stars and Remo Stars in Ibadan.
Here, we give you five predictions from the ten matches this weekend.
NPFL Week 26: Top Five Predictions
Can Enugu Rangers maintain a top-three position?
The Flying Antelopes will take to the pitch on Saturday afternoon against Lobi Stars in Enugu to bring their dream of winning their eighth league title to reality.
Enugu Rangers are on a seven-game unbeaten run, which includes five wins. They secured a valuable point in Kano last weekend and hope to return to winning ways after two draws on the bounce.
Lobi Stars secured a vital away point to Abia Warriors and a hard-fought 3-2 win over Rivers United in the NPFL week 25 games.
Both teams have shown top pedigree this season, but Rangers cannot afford to drop points at home if they want to win the title.
Prediction: A tough match on the cards, but Enugu Rangers should get at least a 1-0 win.
🚨Following the debacle that happened @ the @EnyimbaFC stadium on Sunday..
The NPFL board ruling, @EnyimbaFC will be without their fans for the visits of;@NigerTornadoes 🌪 @KanoPillarsFC
Heartland #Npfl24 pic.twitter.com/9sblLc19lg— TheNaijaFootballConference (@TNFCNG) March 15, 2024
The People's Elephant to compound Tornadoes woes
Niger Tornadoes are anything but a tornado at the moment. If anything, they are blowing in the direction of relegation.
Enyimba lost narrowly to Remo Stars at the weekend, putting a dampener on their progress up the table.
In their NPFL Week 26 game, Enyimba must restore the fear of Aba in the opposition.
The absence of fans in the stadium following the punishment meted out to the People's Elephant may work against Enyimba.
The lads from Minna are not necessarily a top side on the road and must do better to avoid the drop.
Prediction: Enyimba should return to form and win. A 2-0 win should be a minimum. Perhaps Chijioke Mbaoma will increase his goal tally.
A daunting task before Plateau United
The Jos City lads have a mountain to climb in Katsina. They will attempt to do what no side in the NPFL has done this season – to secure maximum points.
Katsina United has not lost at home this season but have dropped points three times.
The Chanji Boys have not won any of their last three games, with their most recent victory coming in a high velocity 3-2 win over Kano Pillars.
Plateau United have the necessary firepower to be the first to upset Katsina United in their den this season.
Bala Abubakar resigns as Head Coach of Katsina United pic.twitter.com/DiemvgtJxF
— Emeka Nwani (@mekus102) March 13, 2024
Prediction: The resignation of the Katsina United head coach, Bala Abubakar, may play a factor in what happens in this game.
Either way, Katsina United should win 1-0.
A heated South West derby is on the cards
Remo Stars should be worried when they travel to the Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan in a face-off with Shooting Stars.
In their last away trip to another South Western team, Sporting Lagos, the Sky Blues were walloped 4-1 and must up their away form.
The Ikenne Boys have struggled for goals recently. They failed to score more than one goal in their last four games.
The Oluyole Warriors have hit a rich vein of form recently. Their 0-1 win away to Doma United in midweek was their first win on the road this season.
They are also on a five-game unbeaten run, with their last home game – a 3-0 win over Akwa United.
The question is, which star will shine brightest this weekend?
Prediction: Shooting Stars to win 2-1.
This article was most recently revised and updated 7 months ago
