For each of the past five seasons, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has consistently crowned a new champion, showcasing the league's unpredictability and competitive nature.
The remarkable aspect of these victories is that the teams lifting the trophy often weren’t favourites at the start of the season.
Instead, they manage to peak when it matters most, pulling off stunning runs to claim the title.
Take, for example, last season’s champions, Enugu Rangers.
Despite not being among the frontrunners after the first round, they delivered an outstanding second-half performance, clinching the title with a game to spare.
Remo Stars were the only team that showed consistent form throughout the campaign.
They remained in the top five for almost the entire season and finished second, just behind Enugu Rangers, after 38 gruelling match days.
In this article, Afrik-Foot peeks into the crystal ball to predict the potential title contenders, dark horses, and relegation candidates for the upcoming season.
NPFL potential title contenders
Remo Stars
This could finally be Remo Stars’ season to win their first-ever NPFL title, after coming close in recent years.
They finished third in the 2022/23 season and progressed to second place last season, demonstrating clear intent.
With head coach Daniel Ogunmodede signing a new deal and exciting new additions like Ibrahim Shuaibu, Alex Oyowah, and Faisal Sani, the stars might finally align for the Ikenne-based club.
Enyimba
Despite losing several key players during the off-season, Enyimba’s pedigree ensures they will always be in the title conversation.
Last season’s top scorer, Chijioke Mbaoma, along with Chibueke Nwaiwu, Leke Ojo, and Chigozie Chilekwu, have departed the club.
However, they’ve strengthened with reinforcements like Wasiu Jimoh, Moses Adikwu, and Chukwudi Nwaodu, while Fatai Abdullahi has returned after a brief stint with Rivers United.
As one of the traditional powerhouses in Nigerian club football, Enyimba are expected to challenge for the title once again.
Dark horses
Akwa United
Akwa United endured a nightmare campaign last season, narrowly avoiding relegation on the final day.
The 2021 champions finished a disappointing 16th with 49 points from 38 games, far below their usual standards.
This season, with a bolstered squad, they have an outside chance of reclaiming the NPFL title.
Rivers United
Rivers United missed out on continental football last season, a setback they’ll be eager to rectify.
With former Super Eagles coach Finidi George now at the helm in Port Harcourt, they’ll be aiming to bounce back.
George will be looking to add a second NPFL title to his resume after his success with Enyimba in the 2022/23 season.
Relegation candidates
Last season, Gombe United, Doma United, Heartland, and Sporting Lagos were relegated from the NPFL. This season, the battle to avoid the drop will be fierce once again.
Heartland
After returning to the NPFL by taking the spot vacated by Beyond Limits, Heartland is expected to face a tough challenge to avoid relegation.
They will likely find themselves in the thick of the survival fight once more, even with former CAF Player of the Year and Super Eagles legend Emmanuel Amuneke in charge.
Ikorodu City
Newly promoted Ikorodu City could struggle this season due to their lack of financial muscle compared to other teams.
Although they’ve signed some promising young players, the season may prove too challenging for them.
El-Kanemi Warriors
El-Kanemi Warriors have a tumultuous history with the NPFL, often oscillating between the top flight and the Nigeria National League. This season, they could once again find themselves battling relegation.
Bayelsa United
Bayelsa United narrowly avoided relegation last season, finishing 15th with 50 points, just four points above the drop zone. With Ladan Bosso now in charge, the Yenagoa-based club faces a tough challenge to stay afloat in the NPFL.
As the new NPFL season kicks off, the drama, surprises, and intense competition that have characterized recent seasons are set to continue.
Whether it's a perennial contender, a dark horse, or a team battling for survival, the race for the title and the fight to avoid relegation will be as fierce as ever.