The 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League season is set for a thrilling conclusion on May 24, with the title race, continental qualification battle, and relegation fight all expected to go down to the final day, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
League leaders Rangers International F.C. face arguably the toughest assignment in the title race as they travel to Lagos to confront Ikorodu City F.C. The Flying Antelopes must secure victory to keep alive their hopes of clinching the NPFL crown.
Rivers United F.C., however, appears to hold the advantage heading into the final round of fixtures. The Port Harcourt side will host Katsina United F.C. in what is widely viewed as a favourable fixture as they aim to seal the league title.
Ikorodu City also has plenty to play for in Lagos. The newly promoted side must defeat Rangers and hope Niger Tornadoes F.C. overcomes Shooting Stars Sports Club in Minna to strengthen their chances of finishing in the top three and securing continental football.
For Shooting Stars, even a draw away to Niger Tornadoes could be enough to preserve their position, provided Ikorodu City fail to beat Rangers International.
At the bottom end of the table, Niger Tornadoes remain trapped in a tense survival battle and must defeat Shooting Stars to boost their chances of avoiding relegation while also relying on favourable results elsewhere.
The relegation fight remains extremely tight, with clubs from Kano Pillars F.C. in 10th position down to Niger Tornadoes in 18th still not mathematically safe heading into the final day.
Bayelsa United F.C. and Wikki Tourists F.C. are the only two clubs already confirmed to be relegated.
Elsewhere, Nasarawa United F.C., Bendel Insurance F.C., and Katsina United head into the final round with little left to play for after securing safety while remaining out of contention for both the title and continental qualification places. Barau F.C. also appears close to guaranteeing survival.
Matchday 38 Fixtures – May 24, 2026
- Niger Tornadoes vs Shooting Stars
- Enyimba International F.C. vs El-Kanemi Warriors F.C.
- Bayelsa United vs Kwara United F.C.
- Bendel Insurance vs Remo Stars F.C.
- Ikorodu City vs Rangers International
- Rivers United vs Katsina United
- Kun Khalifat F.C. vs Wikki Tourists
- Warri Wolves F.C. vs Abia Warriors F.C.
- Plateau United F.C. vs Kano Pillars
- Barau FC vs Nasarawa United