The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) enters its final round of matches this weekend.
All eyes will certainly be at the Rwam Pam Stadium as league leaders, Plateau United, host reigning champions, Enugu Rangers.
Anything other than a victory for the Jos-based side could dent their dominant title aspirations with MFM FC, just one point adrift, ready to pounce.
The Prayer Warriors will definitely need plenty of fire and miracle in their armoury when they visit the hostile city of Maiduguri to face El Kanemi Warriors.
Aside from the two, eight other fixtures promise equally exciting experiences with a lot still to play for.
That said, we glance through five things you should look out for on Saturday.
- Fresh champion
Be it Plateau or MFM FC, wherever the pendulum eventually swings, all we know is that an entirely new champion will be crowned. Neither side have ever clinched the title – making for an extremely tensed grand finale. Ironically, both teams secured promotion to the elite division at the same time in 2015.
- Six teams battle for safety
While the battle for the crown is merely between two sides, that at the rear is being contested by six. The fate of Remo Stars and Gombe United have since been confirmed but the pair will certainly not be going down alone. Any of ABS FC, Wikki Tourists, Shooting Stars, Abia Warriors, Niger Tornadoes and Sunshine Stars could eventually accompany them to the woods.
- Odey or Okpotu for top scorer
With Stephen Odey now out of the picture following his move to Swiss outfit, FC Zurich, Lobi Stars forward, Anthony Okpotu, will be poised to clinch the top scorers crown. The pair has struck 18 times this season with the ex-Al Ittihad forward very much in pole position ahead of the trip to Nnewi to face FC IfeanyiUbah.
- Striking FC IfeanyiUbah players
But Okpotu’s dream can only be actualised if FCIU players rescind their decision to go on strike. The Nnewi Millionaires risk being walked over after players reportedly agreed not to turn up for their final league game against Lobi due to a backlog of salaries owed. Will they keep to their word or will owner, Dr Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, reach out for his cheque book to avoid embarrassment?
- Enyimba or Akwa United for Confederations Cup?
Irrespective of what happens, Plateau and MFM are certain to play in the CAF Champions League next season. That leaves two teams – Enyimba and Akwa United battling for the other continental berth – the Confederations Cup. Both sides face Katsina United and Kano Pillars respectively at home with the Peoples’ Elephants with a point advantage.
