NPFL: Title race heads to final day as Rangers and Rivers United clinch vital wins

The winner of the 2025–26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) will be decided on the final day of the season after the two primary title contenders secured crucial victories during Sunday’s Matchday 37 fixtures.

With all matches played simultaneously, Enugu Rangers International FC ground out a hard-fought 2-1 win against Bendel Insurance FC. at the “Cathedral” to remain in pole position. Godwin Obaje emerged as the hero, opening the scoring in the 15th minute and later converting a high-pressure second-half penalty after Alex Owoifaleye had momentarily restored parity for the visitors. The “Flying Antelopes” now head into the final round knowing that a single victory will officially crown them champions.

However, second-placed Rivers United continued to pile on the pressure, producing one of the most remarkable comebacks of the season in Bauchi. After trailing twice, they secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Wikki Tourists. This win not only guaranteed their CAF Champions League ticket for next season but also kept them within touching distance of the NPFL title, trailing Rangers by just a single point.

The Continental Race In NPFL

In Aba, Abia Warriors F.C. saw their continental ambitions collapse in stunning fashion as Kun Khalifat FC stormed to a 2-0 victory. Uchechukwu Onuoha struck twice to silence the home crowd, a result that simultaneously guaranteed Kun Khalifat’s top-flight status for next season.

Nasarawa United claimed a vital 1-0 win against Plateau United, a result that could propel them into serious continental contention. Meanwhile, Katsina United produced a dominant display at home, dispatching Ikorodu City with a comprehensive 4-1 win. This result reduces the gap between fourth-placed Ikorodu and fifth-placed Nasarawa to a mere two points. Elsewhere, Shooting Stars Sports Club maintained their momentum with a 1-0 defeat of Barau FC.

Relegation Survival In the NPFL

Kwara United F.C. significantly boosted their survival hopes with a commanding 2-0 victory over Enyimba F.C., courtesy of an early brace from Babatunde Bright.

Unfortunately, the trapdoor has officially closed on Bayelsa United F.C. and Wikki Tourists, whose relegations were confirmed following defeats to Remo Stars F.C. and Rivers United, respectively. Defending champions Remo Stars rallied from an early deficit to beat Bayelsa United 2-1, with Alex Oyowah and Victor Mbaoma overturning the scoreline. Finally, Kano Pillars secured a narrow but critical 1-0 victory over Warri Wolves FC.

With only one round of matches remaining, the title remains on a knife-edge, two clubs are still battling to avoid the final relegation spots, and the continental places have yet to be fully decided. The stage is perfectly set for a dramatic Matchday 38 finale.

Matchday 37 Results In NPFL

Shooting Stars 1-0 Barau FC

El-Kanemi Warriors 0-0 Niger Tornadoes

Kwara United 2-0 Enyimba FC

Remo Stars 2-1 Bayelsa United

Enugu Rangers 2-1 Bendel Insurance

Katsina United 4-1 Ikorodu City

Wikki Tourists 2-3 Rivers United

Abia Warriors 0-2 Kun Khalifat

Kano Pillars 1-0 Warri Wolves

Nasarawa United 1-0 Plateau United