_…Obaje, Mbaoma, Arumala In Race for Golden Boot_
By Friday Joshua & Chinedum Ohanusi
Rangers International and Rivers United have both sealed their CAF Champions League spots for next season following contrasting wins, in their respective Day 37 fixtures of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), played simultaneously, on Sunday.
However, who wins the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League title will have to be decided on the final day of the season, with the focal points, being the MJ Arena in Lagos, where Ikorodu City will host Rangers, and in Port Harcourt, where Rivers United will slug it out, with Katsina United.
At the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium aka the Cathedral, veteran striker Godwin Obaje scored twice, including one from the spot, as Rangers defeated 10-man Bendel Insurance 2-1 in Enugu to take their tally to 65 points; while Rivers United twice came from behind to edge Wikki Tourists 3-2 in Bauchi, meaning the Pride of Rivers are adrift by just one point.
On the other hand, defeat for Wikki relegated the Tourists to the Nigeria National League (NNL), along with Bayelsa United, who were beaten 2-1 in Ikenne by the outgoing Champions, Remo Stars.
Uche Onouha’s first-half brace helped Kun Khalifat to a 2-0 defeat of Abia Warriors in Umuahia, a victory that also boosted their battle for survival a great deal.
In Aba, a brace by Babatunde Bright ensured Enyimba International fell 0-2 away to Kwara United at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos; a result that leaves the Aba People’s Elephant, nine-time NPFL Champions in a precarious 15th position on 46 points.
At the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kofar-Mata, veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali scored the only goal as Kano Pillars edged visiting Warri Wolves 1-0, meaning Wolves are now in the red zone – 17th position with 46 points.
Nasarawa United left it late in piping Plateau United by a lone goal in a North-Central derby, courtesy of Jofrank Istifanus’ 72 minutes strike in Lafia; just as Lucky Emmanuel’s first half effort helped Shooting Stars SC defeat Barau FC of Kano 1-0 in Ibadan. The points earned, ensured that the Oluyole Warriors climb up to 3rd position on 60 points.
Elsewhere, Katsina United thrashed Ikorodu City 4-1 in the North-West, while El Kanemi Warriors and fellow strugglers, Niger Tornadoes of Minna, played out a tense goalless draw in Maiduguri.
Meanwhile, the highest goal scorer award, is now a 3-horse race between Rangers’ Godwin Obaje, Remo’s Victor Mbaoma and Joseph Arumala of Ikorodu City, as the three strikers are tied on 13 points, going to the final day.
Remarkably, the two goals netted by Obaje in Enugu, took his all-time tally in the NPFL to an eye-catching 99 goals, one strike short of a century!
While the league title still open, at least five more sides, will be embroiled in relegation dogfights, with two more clubs, to be relegated, alonh with Bayelsa United, and Wikki Tourists of Bauchi.
There is also a fight to determine which team finishes in 3rd position, for a ticket to next season’s CAF Confederation Cup. Shooting Stars SC, with 60 points currently occupied that slot, but Ikorodu City aka Oga Boys with 58 points, are not far away.
The stage is therefore set for a thrilling season finale of Day 38 fixtures, when all matches will kickoff simultaneously at 4pm, on May 24, across venues in the country.
