NPFL week 27 fixtures: 6 predictions – Lobi to stay top

NPFL week 27 fixtures: 6 predictions – Lobi to stay top
Credit: @NPFL_News X

The league has reached the business stage, with every point important to all teams. The action continues with NPFL week 27 fixtures this weekend.

The picture at the top of the table and the shenanigans at the bottom are interesting – pointing to an exciting season so far.

The NPFL 2023/24 season is by far the most exciting in recent years, with the results giving fans hope of something better to come in the future.

At the top of the league is Lobi Stars, who are just a point above Enugu Rangers and Enyimba, while Plateau United and Remo Stars take up the fourth and fifth positions.

We scored over 90 per cent in our predictions for Week 26. Let's see if we can do better as we try to predict what to expect in the NPFL week 27 fixtures.

NPFL Week 27: Top Six Predictions

Kano Pillars to turn around their form

The darling team of Lagos will be guests of Sai Masu Gida in an NPFL Week 27 fixture.

Sporting Lagos has enjoyed a recent resurge, but their away form still has question marks.

Kano Pillars have struggled in recent weeks. They are yet to win a game in their last five games, with their last victory – a 5-1 win over Sunshine Stars.

Prediction: Kano Pillars to win this one.

Heartland search for survival points in South Eastern derby

NPFL week 27 fixture: Can Kazeem Ogunleye propel Rangers to a win
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Heartland Owerri find themselves in jeopardy as they sit at the bottom of the log. The Naze Millionaires have had a tumultuous season, but their situation can be said to be caused by the team.

Against an in-form Enugu Rangers, they have a full hand.

The Flying Antelopes are on an eight-game unbeaten run and would look to match the season's record held by Doma United (9).

The big question is, can Heartland stop the Rangers juggernaut and get their fifth win of the season?

Prediction: The last time both sides met, Rangers won 2-0. Rangers will be confident of getting at least a draw.

League leaders to consolidate position at the top of the table

Lobi Stars looking to stay top after NPFL week 27 fixtures
Credit @LobiStars X

Lobi Stars conceded ground to the chasing pack last week following a tightly contested 2-1 loss to title contenders Enugu Rangers.

It is still an advantage for the Makurdi-based side. Lobi Stars have been in imperial form this season and will be a hard nut to crack.

Lobi Stars has only dropped points once at home, but Bayelsa United has not been terrible on the road.

Seven points on the road is a decent haul for a team trying to stave off relegation. A come-from-behind win against Kano Pillars last week should give Bayelsa United confidence of a point away from home.

Prediction: Anything short of a win leaves Lobi Stars title hopes in jeopardy. Lobi Stars to win 2-0.

Plateau United to compound Akwa United woes

Plateau United want to return to top three after NPFL week 27 games
Credit @plateau_united X

It's been a long season for Akwa United. They started the season with high hopes but have battled relegation all season.

The Promise keepers have the unenviable task of beating Plateau United in Jos – a feat no team has managed this season.

Plateau United have 12 wins at home this season and need a win to keep abreast of the front runners. They have 44 points and are two points behind league leaders Lobi Stars.

Prediction: There is hardly any ambiguity whenever Plateau United are at home. They should get a win – 2-0.

Can the Afonja Warriors bring down the People's Elephant?

Enyimba tackle Kwara United in NOFL week 27
Credit @EnyimbaFC X

The draw specialists (Kwara United) have a massive game in the NPFL Week 27 fixtures.

They host title hopefuls and defending champions Enyimba in Ilorin in what promises to be an exciting game.

Only Heartland has drawn more games (7) at home than Kwara United (6). The Afonja Warriors have 11 draws this season. It is why they are just a point above the relegation zone.

Prediction: For all their struggles this season, Kwara United have only lost once at home. It is unlikely to get worse. A draw is the most plausible result.

The Sky Blues to return to winning ways

Remo Stars will miss Sikiru Alimi in NPFL week 27
Credit @RemoStarsSC X

Remo Stars have had a topsy-turvy campaign. Despite being in contention for the NPFL title, their NPFL week 27 fixture could be dicey.

Against Bendel Insurance, who returned to rich scoring form last week with a 4-0 thumping of Doma United, Remo Stars must be at their peak.

The Sky Blues have not managed more than a goal per game in their last five games.

With Alimi Sikiru suspended due to a red card against Shooting Stars, where will they get the goals from?

Prediction: Remo Stars have been infallible at home this term. They should win this, but not easily. Result: 1-0.

This article was most recently revised and updated 10 months ago

Chooka Izuegbuna
Chooka Izuegbuna is a Sports Journalist with 20 years of experience in print, TV and Radio. He has worked with some of the top media houses in Nigeria, including NTA Network, Channels TV, TVC, Silverbird TV and MITV. Chooka broke his sports reporting teeth with The Game Football Weekly in 2003 as a cartoonist and reporter. Chooka has a passion for football and has been a fan of Enugu Rangers (over 30 years) and Real Madrid (Since 1996).
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