The 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season is almost over, with the campaign now entering Matchweek 38.
The title race, continental qualification slots are already determined, but a number of clubs across the country are battling for survival in the top flight.
Remo Stars have won their first-ever NPFL title despite facing stiff competition from defending champions Enugu Rangers, Rivers United, and a resurgent Shooting Stars.
With fierce rivalries producing dramatic encounters and emerging talents continuing to make their mark, fans can expect a thrilling run-in to the business end of the season across Nigeria’s most iconic stadiums.
When did the NPFL season start?
The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) 2024/25 season officially kicked off on Saturday, 31 August, with defending champions Enugu Rangers beginning their title defence against El Kanemi Warriors in a goalless stalemate at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
However, the rest of the first round of fixtures kicked off on Sunday, September 8.
NPFL Fixtures & Schedule
Matchday 37 of the Nigeria Premier Football League delivered its fair share of tension, as title celebrations gave way to jostling for continental tickets and desperate battles for survival.
In Ikenne, Remo Stars turned on the style, celebrating their historic title triumph with a thumping 4-1 win over Ikorodu City. Goals from Sikiru Alimi and company reminded everyone why they are worthy champions. For Ikorodu, the loss ended their top-three dream.
Rivers United saw their hold on second place loosen after a bruising 3-1 defeat away to Kwara United. Wasiu Alalade’s brace did the damage as Finidi George’s men failed to cope with the hosts’ intensity. Abia Warriors took full advantage, edging El-Kanemi Warriors 2-1 to climb into third and put one foot in the continent.
In Lafia, Nasarawa United continued their late surge with a dramatic 3-2 win over Enyimba. Anas Yusuf again proved decisive, scoring his 17th of the season, as the hosts climbed further away from danger. For Enyimba, the loss dented their CAF qualification hopes.
Elsewhere, relegation dogfight drama unfolded in Uyo, where Akwa United picked up a priceless 2-0 win over Bayelsa United. Goals from Endurance Ebedebiri and Kabir Osoba lifted the Promise Keepers to 18th, still in the red but very much alive.
Kano Pillars outgunned Shooting Stars 3-1 in Kano, while Rangers battered Katsina United 4-0 to stay in the top half. Bendel Insurance kept their continental hopes flickering with a 1-0 win over Heartland, and Plateau United condemned Lobi Stars to a fifth straight loss.
As the final matchday looms, every point feels like gold. From the race for third to the relegation scrap, the NPFL’s curtain call promises one last act of gripping theatre.
Here are the results of NPFL Matchday 37
| Date | Home team | Score | Away team |
| 11/05/25 | Abia Warriors | 2-1 | El-Kanemi Warriors |
| 11/05/25 | Akwa United | 2-0 | Bayelsa United |
| 11/05/25 | Bendel Insurance | 1-0 | Heartland FC |
| 11/05/25 | Enugu Rangers | 4-0 | Katsina United |
| 11/05/25 | Kano Pillars | 3-1 | Shooting Stars |
| 11/05/25 | Kwara United | 3-1 | Rivers United |
| 11/05/25 | Nasarawa United | 3-2 | Enyimba |
| 11/05/25 | Remo Stars | 4-1 | Ikorodu City |
| 11/05/25 | Plateau United | 2-1 | Lobi Stars |
| 11/05/25 | Sunshine Stars | 1-2 | Niger Tornadoes |
Final day. Matchday 38 in the Nigeria Premier Football League arrives with stakes sky-high and fates hanging in the balance across the country.
In Lagos, Ikorodu City host Abia Warriors knowing their continental dream is over. Even a win won’t be enough. For Abia, however, victory might send them to second (if Rivers falter) and a CAF Champions League ticket, everything to play for in Umuahia’s corner.
Nasarawa United travel to Rivers United needing something special. The Solid Miners are unbeaten in five and will count on red-hot Anas Yusuf to breach a defence that crumbled last week in Ilorin. Rivers, still eyeing second place, won’t want to end on a sour note at home.
At the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina United face Kwara United in a battle to avoid the drop. With the home side still precariously placed, it’s a must-win. Akwa United, meanwhile, face fellow strugglers Heartland in Owerri. For both, the equation is simple: win or risk relegation.
El-Kanemi Warriors and Sunshine Stars go head-to-head in Maiduguri.The visitors are relegated already but the hosts are sitting dangerously close to the red zone; survival is the only prize on offer.
Here are the fixtures of NPFL Matchday 38
| Date | Match | Time | Stadium |
| 25/05/25 | Ikorodu City vs Abia Warriors | 16:00 | Mobolaji Johnson Arena |
| 25/05/25 | Katsina United vs Kwara United | 16:00 | Muhammadu Dikko Stadium |
| 25/05/25 | Lobi Stars vs Bendel Insurance | 16:00 | Aper Aku Stadium |
| 25/05/25 | Rivers United vs Nasarawa United | 16:00 | Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium |
| 25/05/25 | Niger Tornadoes vs Kano Pillars | 16:00 | Bako Kontagora Stadium |
| 25/05/25 | Bayelsa United vs Remo Stars | 16:00 | Samson Siasia Stadium |
| 25/05/25 | Heartland vs Akwa United | 16:00 | Dan Anyiam Stadium |
| 25/05/25 | El-Kanemi Warriors vs Sunshine Stars | 16:00 | El-Kanemi Stadium, Maiduguri |
| 25/05/25 | Shooting Stars vs Enugu Rangers | 16:00 | Lekan Salami Stadium |
| 25/05/25 | Enyimba vs Plateau United | 16:00 | Enyimba International Stadium |
Where to watch NPFL matches
Fans will be able to catch the action live as Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) broadcast partners, StarTimes and Propel Sports Africa, have made provisions to stream games for viewers globally.
GTI Asset Management & Trust Limited, a key partner, has assured that live-streaming arrangements are fully in place for the 2024/2025 season, ensuring fans don’t miss any of the action.
