NPFL 2024/25 Preview: Title hopefuls, dark horses & relegation favourites

Published on by Andrew Randa

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.

NPFL 2024/25 Preview: Title hopefuls, dark horses & relegation favourites
Photo by IMAGO

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

NPFL 2024/25 Preview: Title hopefuls, dark horses & relegation favourites
Photo by IMAGO

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.

NPFL 2024/25 Preview: Title hopefuls, dark horses & relegation favourites
Photo by IMAGO

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

NPFL 2024/25 Preview: Title hopefuls, dark horses & relegation favourites
Photo by IMAGO

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.

NPFL 2024/25 Preview: Title hopefuls, dark horses & relegation favourites

Andrew Randa

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.

Andrew's experience is vast, with collaborations encompassing prestigious names like Kickoff, SuperSport, the NFF (Nigeria Football Federation), and the NPFL (Nigeria Professional Football League)