Nigeria Leagues
2023/2024 NPFL Matchday 38: Continental and relegation battles at stake
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
As the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season draws to a close, Enugu Rangers are poised to lift the title on Sunday. The final matchday, however, holds much at stake with fierce battles for continental spots and relegation survival.
Second-placed Remo Stars will host Katsina United in Ikenne. A win will secure them second place and consecutive CAF Champions League qualification.
Enyimba, in third place, needs a victory against Plateau United to ensure their spot in either the CAF Champions League or Confederation Cup, depending on the result in Ikenne.
Plateau United, currently fifth, must win against Enyimba and hope that 3SC does not defeat Sporting Lagos to have a chance at the CAF Confederation Cup.
3SC aims for a win over Sporting Lagos, while hoping Enyimba drops points at home or Remo Stars falter, to secure continental football. Lobi Stars must win in Kano and hope for top-five teams to drop points in order to clinch a continental spot.
At the bottom of the table, two more teams will join Gombe United and Heartland FC in relegation to the Nigeria National League (NNL). Six clubs are fighting to avoid the drop: Doma United, in 18th place, must win against Abia Warriors in Gombe and hope for other teams to drop points to stay in the NPFL.
Sporting Lagos needs a victory in Ibadan, hoping Akwa United drops points against Rivers United to avoid relegation. Bayelsa United visits Bendel Insurance, aiming for a positive result to ensure their survival.
Kwara United must win at home against relegated Heartland FC to boost their chances of staying up. Niger Tornadoes need a positive result against Sunshine Stars to avoid relegation. Akwa United must secure points against Rivers United to ensure their NPFL status.
As the NPFL season culminates on Sunday, the excitement is palpable with title celebrations, continental qualification, and relegation battles all coming to a head. Fans are set for a thrilling finale with multiple teams having everything to play for on the last matchday.
2023/2024 NPFL Matchday 38 Fixtures
Doma United vs Abia Warriors
Gombe United vs Enugu Rangers
Remo Stars vs Katsina United
Shooting Stars vs Sporting Lagos
Kwara United vs Heartland FC
Niger Tornadoes vs Sunshine Stars
Bendel Insurance vs Bayelsa United
Enyimba vs Plateau United
Akwa United vs Rivers United
Latest League Table
1. Enugu Rangers 67
2. Remo Stars 62
3. Enyimba 60
4. 3SC 59
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5. Plateau 58
6. Lobi 58
7. Katsina 55
8. Rivers 53
9. Insurance 53
10. Sunshine 52
11. Abia 51
12. Kano 49
13. Kwara 48
14. Tornadoes 48
15. Bayelsa 47
16. Akwa 46
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17. Sporting 46
18. Doma 43
19. Heartland 38
20. Gombe 25
