Will the NPFL table get a new leader? 5 week 25 predictions

Will the NPFL table get a new leader? 5 week 25 predictions
Credit @LobiStars Twitter

Week 24 league matches saw Lobi Stars hold on to the top spot of the NPFL table in a round that witnessed plenty of surprises.

Following the fixtures, many expected changes at the top of the NPFL table, but predictions went askew with Lobi Stars continuing to stake a claim to the title.

There are mid-week matches that should produce results expected to see movements at the top of the NPFL table.

The battle for the title is intense and has revolved around the following teams – league leaders Lobi Stars, Plateau United, defending champions Enyimba, Remo Stars and Enugu Rangers.

No team has made a conscientious claim to the title, which begs the question ahead of week 25 – will the NPFL table get a new leader?

Will the NPFL table change leadership in week 25?

Five predictions

Plateau United v Gombe United

Plateau United are third on the NPFL table
Credit @theOfficialLBA X

Plateau United travelled to Akure this weekend to take on Sunshine Stars, who have had a topsy-turvy season. With their rich vein of form, many expected the lads from Jos to pick at least a point.

A 3-1 loss denied them the chance to go top of the NPFL table. 

At home to relegation-threatened Gombe United, the Tin City side should return to winning ways, but would it be enough to see them climb to the top?

Plateau United are third on the table, two points behind league leaders Lobi Stars.

Prediction: Plateau United to win 3-0.

Lobi Stars v Rivers United

Lobi Stars can consolidate their position at the top of the NPFL table. They are on 43 points and sit atop the log. A point separates them from their closest rival, Enyimba.

Rivers United have not been in solid form recently despite qualifying for the quarter-final of the Confederation Cup.

They struggled to a 1-1 draw with Kano Pillars. The Pride of Rivers scored a controversial equalizer. They have loaded hands against a determined Lobi Stars.

Prediction: Lobi Stars are yet to lose at home this season. They have only drawn once at home and should win this 2-0.

Remo Stars v Enyimba

NPFL table week 25, Remo and Enyimba clash
Credit @OptaNGR X

The Sky Blues will be at home to the People's Elephant in what should be the tie of the week.

Remo Stars have tailed off in recent weeks and are coming off a resounding defeat at the hands of South Western rivals Sporting Lagos.

They lost 1-4 and will look to bounce back with a win over second-placed Enyimba. The last time these two clashed, the Ikenne lads inflicted a 1-0 defeat on Enyimba – their only home defeat this season.

Predictions: Remo Stars are in fifth place but within striking distance of the league leaders. A 1-0 or 2-1 win seems the surest bet, but Enyimba will count on Mbaoma Chijioke to get at least a point.

Kano Pillars v Enugu Rangers

Kano Pillars vs Katsina United lineups, 3 predictions - NPFL table
Credit @katsinaunited Twitter

Enugu Rangers missed the chance to go top of the NPFL table when they could only manage a 0-0 draw at home to Kwara United bringing their winning run to an end.

It is a massive setback for the Flying Antelopes as they take on rivals Kano Pillars.

Sai Masu Gida will feel hard done by after they drew with Rivers United following a contentious goal. 

After getting just a point from two games, Pillars hope to get revenge against Rangers, whose winning run was brought to an end by the Afonja warriors.

When the two sides clashed in Enugu, the hosts won 4-1. A win will take Rangers to 44 points, and if results on other grounds favour them, they will stay top of the NPFL table.

Prediction: Kano Pillars should win 1-0, but Rangers could steal a draw. The Flying Antelopes have only conceded once in their last eight games – a 4-1 win over Gombe United.

Akwa United v Bendel Insurance

Akwa United players celebrate scoring against Bayelsa United
Credit: @AkwaUnited_fc X

Akwa United are still engaged in a relegation tussle. The Promise Keepers lost 0-3 to Shooting Stars at the weekend.

However, they hope to bounce back at home to the Benin Arsenal.

Bendel Insurance won their first game in their last five matches with a 2-0 win over relegation-threatened Gombe United.

Bendel Insurance has not been good on the road this season. They have four draws and need to do better.

Predictions: Both sides have not been consistent this season. It has all the trappings of a draw.

This article was most recently revised and updated 12 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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