NPFL title race progresses as Wikki Tourists and Bayelsa United relegated

The 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title race will be decided on the last day of the season after both title contenders, Enugu Rangers and Rivers United, recorded crucial wins on Matchday 37.

Eight-time champions Rangers remain firmly in the hunt for a record ninth league title after beating Bendel Insurance 2-1 at the Enugu Cathedral. Forward Godwin Obaje scored a decisive brace to keep the Flying Antelopes’ title hopes alive.

Head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu is now on the verge of winning his second NPFL crown with the Enugu team.

Meanwhile, former champions Rivers United also remained in contention after a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Wikki Tourists in Bauchi. The Pride of Rivers, coached by Finidi George, showed resilience to get maximum points and keep the pressure on Rangers heading into the final round of matches.

Rivers United, champions in 2022, are chasing a second league title, while Finidi aims to secure his second NPFL triumph after guiding Enyimba to league glory in 2023.

The title race now reaches an exciting conclusion on May 24 when Rivers United will host Katsina United in Port Harcourt, while Rangers face a tough away clash against Ikorodu City in Lagos.

Tourists Wikki, Bayelsa United Relegated

At the other end of the table, Wikki Tourists and Bayelsa United were relegated to the Nigerian National League (NNL).

Wikki’s loss to Rivers United and Bayelsa United’s 2-1 loss to Remo Stars confirmed their downfall after both teams remained on 40 points with just one match left.

However, the relegation battle is still far from resolved, with several clubs yet to secure their NPFL status for next season.

Niger Tornadoes (45 points), Warri Wolves (46), Remo Stars (46), Enyimba (46), Khun Khalifat (46), Kwara United (47), El-Kanemi Warriors (47) and Plateau United (47) remain mathematically vulnerable heading into matchday 38.

Results of matchday 37

Abia Warriors 0-2 Khun Khalifat

El-Kanemi Warriors 0-0 Niger Tornadoes

Rangers 2-1 Seguro Bendel

Kano Pillars 1-0 Warri Wolves

Katsina United 4-1 Ikorodu City

Kwara United 2-0 Enyimba

Nasarawa United 1-0 Plateau United

Remo Stars 2-1 Bayelsa United

Shooting Stars 1-0 Barau FC

Wikki Tourists 2-3 United Rivers

Schedule for matchday 38 (May 24, 2026)

Tornadoes in Niger vs shooting stars

Enyimba against El-Kanemi warriors

Bayelsa United vs Kwara United

Bendel Insurance vs Remo Stars

Ikorodu City vs Rangers

Rivers United v Katsina United

Khun Khalifat vs Wikki Tourists

Warri Wolves vs Abia Warriors

Plateau United vs Pillars of Kano

Barau FC vs Nasarawa United