7 clubs cling to hope in NPFL survival race
As the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season nears its dramatic conclusion, the relegation battle is set to go down to the wire. While Lobi Stars are already relegated, seven other clubs are anxiously fighting for survival with only three more relegation spots remaining. Each of these teams has two critical fixtures left, and […]
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As the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season nears its dramatic conclusion, the relegation battle is set to go down to the wire. While Lobi Stars are already relegated, seven other clubs are anxiously fighting for survival with only three more relegation spots remaining.
Each of these teams has two critical fixtures left, and the fine margins between safety and relegation have created a pressure-cooker atmosphere.
Here is why the remaining matches are must-win games for the drowning clubs.
- Kwara United (47 points)
Kwara United may be sitting just above the red zone, but they aren’t safe yet. Their home game against Rivers United is tricky—Rivers are chasing continental qualification and will come with intensity.
The final day clash against Katsina United, who are also not yet safe, could be a straight shootout for survival.
The ‘Afonja Warriors’ must be beat Rivers at home as a win will guarantee safety and ease pressure before the Katsina showdown.
- Katsina United (47 points)
Katsina’s survival bid is complicated by their next fixture—a tough away trip to Enugu Rangers. Getting anything from that game will be a bonus.
Their final home game against Kwara United may turn into a final-day decider.
Katsina United must take all 3 points against Kwara at home if they lose in Enugu. Anything less might spell trouble.
- El-Kanemi Warriors (46 points)
El-Kanemi who started the season like a house on fire are in a delicate spot. Their away game against Abia Warriors, a mid-table side with little to play for, presents a winnable chance.
They end the season at home against Sunshine Stars, another relegation-threatened side.
The Warriors must secure at least 4 points from the last two games. Beating Abia would relieve pressure ahead of Sunshine Stars clash. It will be a tricky affair for El-Kanemi because Abia Warriors are in the hunt for a third place finish which would guarantee continental football.
- Heartland FC (45 points)
Heartland’s home tie against Bendel Insurance is crucial. A win there would lift them out of the drop zone and give them momentum ahead of the ultimate away battle against Akwa United, who are also fighting for their lives.
A win against Bendel Insurance is a must as going into the final day needing a result in Uyo against Akwa United could be dangerous.
- Niger Tornadoes (45 points)
Tornadoes face Sunshine Stars, fellow strugglers, in what is effectively a must-win game.
Their final fixture against Kano Pillars is a tough away test, with Pillars eager to end the season strong at home.
Tornadoes are condemned to beat Sunshine at home. A loss could see them needing a miracle in Kano against Pillars in their last match which will be a tough call.
- Akwa United (41 points)
Akwa’s path to survival is narrow and steep. They sit third from the bottom and must take maximum points to stand a chance.
Their game against Bayelsa United, who are only just above them, is a relegation six-pointer. The final fixture against Heartland, who are also desperate, could be a do-or-die decider.
Akwa United must win both games. Anything less than six points could confirm relegation.
- Sunshine Stars (41 points)
Sunshine Stars face an enormous task in their matches against relegation rivals.
They must at least secure one win which is crucial, preferably against Tornadoes. A draw and a win may just be enough depending on other results.
This relegation scrap is shaping up to be one of the most intense in recent NPFL history. With only six points separating 11th from 18th, no team is safe. The final two weeks will test the character, resilience, and tactical acumen of coaches and players alike.
Ultimately, survival will hinge not just on talent, but on nerves, discipline, and belief. For some, these final games will be a lifeline; for others, they may mark the end of their top-flight journey—at least for now.