The 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season has been nothing short of dramatic, with constant shifts in both the title race and relegation battle.
At the season’s start, Remo Stars displayed strong title credentials, consistently staying in the top three. Meanwhile, traditional sides like Lobi Stars, Nasarawa United, and Akwa United struggled to break free from the relegation zone.
By mid-season, Remo Stars had established a commanding 10-point lead at the top of the table. However, the real battle now appears to be for the remaining continental slots, where Ikorodu City’s unexpected surge has spiced up the competition. They’ve joined Rivers United, Shooting Stars, Rangers, and Enyimba in the intense race for second and third place.
NPFL Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, praised the competitiveness of the season, describing it as “unprecedented.” He credited improved officiating for boosting teams' confidence, which has encouraged clubs to approach away fixtures with a winning mindset rather than settling for a draw.
“Teams now travel for away games with the mindset of winning rather than just defending for a point,” Elegbeleye remarked.
The league has also seen a wave of fresh managerial talent, with former Super Eagles stars like Finidi George, Emmanuel Amunike, and Daniel Amokachi returning from Europe to take up coaching roles. Local tacticians such as Imama Amapakabo, Kennedy Boboye, and Tony Bulus have also contributed to the evolving coaching standards in the league.
“With this blend of young and experienced coaches, we are creating an environment where ex-players can transition into coaching roles, and where Super Eagles and international players feel comfortable playing in Nigeria due to the league’s quality,” Elegbeleye stated.
Elegbeleye singled out Ikorodu City’s rise as a major highlight of the season.
“Ikorodu City’s performance has been impressive. They’ve shown that privately owned clubs can thrive in the NPFL with proper planning, recruitment, and promotion. Their journey from early-season struggles to now challenging for the title and continental spots is remarkable,” he added.
On the relegation battle, the NPFL boss acknowledged the intense competition at the bottom of the table, with teams from 12th to 20th still at risk.
“While the focus is often on the top, the fight to avoid relegation is equally intense. We’ll be closely monitoring the remaining matches to ensure fairness and integrity,” Elegbeleye assured.
With just 10 matchdays remaining, the NPFL promises an exciting climax, with Elegbeleye confident that the league will ultimately crown a worthy champion.
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