The race for who would be crowned champions of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has been reduced to three clubs.
Surprisingly, Enyimba and Kano Pillars, who have dominated the domestic scene for the last decade, are nowhere near the title.
While defending champions, Enyimba, with two games at hand are placed eight, their predecessor, Pillars, are two places above them.
After 32 round of games and just four left, here are the three clubs who could dethrone Enyimba as champions.
- Enugu Rangers
Enugu Rangers might finally end their 32-year wait for the Nigerian league title this season. The Flying Antelopes who finished 12th last term, currently lead the log with 54 points having won 15 games, drawn nine and lost one less. Rangers dominated the league in the 70’s and 80’s winning six titles and are. just one short of record holder Enyimba. The club, alongside Heartland, have never been relegated from the topflight and face Shooting Stars, Sunshine Stars, Ikorodu United and El Kanemi in their last four games.
“At this point, there’s nothing to celebrate,” head coach, Imama Amapakabo, said.
“I think we still have four more games to play before we know if we will celebrate or not, but this is just one game out of the 36 games we are scheduled to play this season.”
- Rivers United
Three-time champions, Rivers United, are currently placed second – one point behind leaders, Rangers. The Port Harcourt-based side, with 17 victories, have won more games than any other team in the league but have also lost more than their rivals. The team suffered a 4-0 spanking at the hands of title rivals, Rangers, at the weekend which dealt a massive blow to their title aspirations.
Stanley Eguma, coach of the side said: “We want to apologise to the fans of Rivers United for such a heavy defeat at this crucial stage of the season. We did not see it coming as we prepared very well for this game.”
Eguma’s team need to avoid further slips in their last four games against Warri Wolves, Wikki Tourists, Abia Warriors and Akwa United.
- Wikki Tourists
The only team in contention never to have won the title, Wikki are on a mission to clinch the top prize after finishing fourth last season. The Bauchi-based side are currently third on the log with 51 points with a game in hand.
“We are not scared of any team in the league because we have played them all in one encounter or the other, so, we know everybody’s strength and weaknesses,” Nasir Kobi, media officer, of the club said.
“We are very much ready to spring surprise and win this league; we have the backing of all the state’s indigenes and the government, so we are on course.”
The Savannah Boys must overcome Nasarawa United, Rivers, 3SC, Sunshine and Enyimba to stand a chance of clinching the league title.
