The 2015/16 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) will finally come to a wrap this weekend after about eight months of quality and entertaining football.
This season has witnessed a remarkable improvement with a record 716 goals scored thus far – averaging almost 19 each matchday and three per game.
However, there’s still plenty of last-ditch drama likely to take place on the final day of the season on Sunday.
Here are five you should look forward to.
- Different champion in five years
Unlike others, the 2015/16 season will see an entirely different team being crowned Nigerian champions for the first time in five years. This is because Kano Pillars and Enyimba FC have both monopolised the league – winning the title thrice and once respectively. Enugu Rangers and Rivers United are the two frontrunners for the crown this term.
- Tornadoes to end season without away point
Niger Tornadoes might have managed to avoid relegation with 48 points and a mid-table finish. But the Minna-based outfit pose the worst away record in the topflight after failing to pick a single point on the road. The team were able to make the Lokoja Township Stadium their fortress after being banned from their home ground, but are likely to continue their abysmal away streak on Sunday when they travel to face Kano Pillars.
- FC IfeanyiUbah for first continental place
FC IfeanyiUbah is almost certain to play continental football next season if Sunday’s results go their way. The Nnewi-based side has witnessed a remarkable transformation after it was purchased by popular businessman, Ifeanyi Ubah, in 2015. Winning the title might no longer be a realistic dream for the Anambra Warriors, but a place among Africa’s elite clubs should be a consolation. They’re currently in third, four points adrift of table toppers Rangers and face a tricky tie to relegation threatened Mountain of Fire Ministries FC (MFM FC).
- Relegation for two Lagos-based teams
When Ikorodu United and MFM FC gained promotion to the topflight last season, that feat was greeted with cheers as the NPFL finally returned to the Centre of Excellence after about 22-years. However, the season turned out to be a nightmare for both teams who are likely returning to the lower leagues. Ikorodu, placed 19th with 32 points are already relegated, while MFM on the other hand, 17th on the log, must win against IfeanyiUbah.
- Giwa end season without a single point
Giwa FC of Jos will most likely end the season without a single point. The club were expelled from competing in the NPFL after failing to honour three games. This prompted the League Management Company (LMC) to cancel all accumulated points for and against the team owned by factional president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Chris Giwa.
