NPFL MD37 Preview – Rangers battle Insurance, Remo seek to maintain title charge against Sunshine Stars

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The penultimate weekend of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) promises excitement and tension as teams battle for crucial points on Saturday and Sunday.

League leaders Rangers will aim to secure the title with a game to spare, highlighting the weekend's stakes.

NPFL MD37 preview
Photo by Enyimba media

NPFL Matchday 36 fixtures

HomeDateAway
Plateau United15/06/2024Kano Pillars
Lobi Stars15/06/2024Kwara United
Rivers United15/06/2024Gombe United
Heartland 15/06/2024Niger Tornadoes
Sporting Lagos16/06/2024Enyimba
Bayelsa United16/06/2024Shooting Stars
Rangers16/06/2024Bendel Insurance
Abia Warriors16/06/2024Akwa United
Sunshine Stars16/06/2024Remo Stars
Katsina United15/06/2024Doma United

Saturday fixtures

Plateau United vs. Kano Pillars

Plateau United, buoyed by their 2-1 away win against Sporting Lagos, will host Kano Pillars in their final home game.

Both teams, having fallen out of the continental spots, are playing for pride and a higher finish. Kano Pillars, who drew with Tornadoes in their last outing, will seek to end their season on a positive note.

Lobi Stars vs. Kwara United

Lobi Stars, reeling from a 3-2 loss to Niger Tornadoes, have seen their title challenge fade after being contenders for much of the season.

They will host Kwara United in Lafia, aiming to finish strong. Kwara United, safe from relegation, will also look to end the season on a high note.

Katsina United vs. Doma United

Katsina United, currently 8th, will face 18th-placed Doma United at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Karkanda.

Doma, fighting to avoid relegation, know only a win will suffice. With Heartland and Gombe already relegated, Doma must secure points to have any chance of survival.

NPFL MD37 preview
Photo by Sporting Lagos media

Rivers United vs. Gombe United

Rivers United, set to miss out on continental football for the first time in three years, will host already-relegated Gombe United in Port Harcourt.

Despite a disappointing season by their standards, Rivers United will seek to end on a positive note.

Heartland vs. Niger Tornadoes

Heartland, rooted at the bottom, will play for pride against Niger Tornadoes in Owerri.

The Owerri side suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Remo Stars last week, while Tornadoes secured a 3-2 victory over Lobi Stars, moving to 12th on the table.

Sunday fixtures

Another set of five matches will be played on Sunday, with key fixtures affecting both the title race and relegation battle.

Sporting Lagos vs. Enyimba

Sporting Lagos and Enyimba, both coming off disappointing results, will clash at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

Enyimba, still chasing Rangers for the title, were held by relegation-threatened Bayelsa United, while Sporting Lagos lost at home to Plateau United.

The former NPFL champions will aim to capitalise on Sporting's woes as they also pursue Remo Stars and Rangers in the league standings.

Rangers v Akwa United
Photo by Rangers Media

Bayelsa United vs. Shooting Stars

Bayelsa United, fighting to avoid relegation, will host high-flying Shooting Stars in Yenagoa.

Shooting Stars, buoyed by their midweek 1-0 win over leaders Rangers, will seek to maintain their momentum.

Bayelsa, in 16th place, know a win could secure their safety, while Shooting Stars aim for continental qualification.

Rangers vs. Bendel Insurance

League leaders Rangers face a tough challenge in Enugu against Bendel Insurance, who boast the league's meanest defense, having conceded only 26 goals.

Rangers, coming off a 1-0 loss to Remo Stars, will look to rebound and inch closer to their first league title since 2016.

A win could potentially crown them champions if Remo Stars falter against Sunshine Stars.

Sunshine Stars vs. Remo Stars

In Akure, Sunshine Stars will host Remo Stars in a crucial match.

Sunshine Stars need a win to ensure their NPFL survival, while Remo Stars, eyeing the title, know only a victory will keep their hopes alive.

Abia Warriors vs. Akwa United

Abia Warriors and Akwa United will battle at the Umuahia Township Stadium, with both teams still at risk of relegation.

Separated by just two points, Abia in 13th and Akwa in 14th, the match carries significant implications.

Akwa United, coming off a 3-1 win over Katsina United, and Abia Warriors, who earned points against Gombe, both need points to avoid relegation worries heading into the final day.

The weekend promises intense action as the NPFL season reaches its climax, with teams fighting for titles, continental spots, and survival.

<!-- Author Start -->Andrew Randa<!-- Author End -->

Andrew Randa

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Andrew Randa is a veteran Nigerian sports journalist with over 20 years of experience covering the beautiful game across Africa. Andrew served as a Media Officer for Nigeria's U-20 Men's National Team for three years, offering a unique perspective on the future stars of Nigerian football. Beyond reporting, Andrew is a pioneer in sports graphics creation within Nigeria. His expertise extends to sports kit design, making him a true multi-faceted talent in the African sports landscape.