NPFL: Rangers, Rivers United, Ikorodu City, 3SC In Crucial Final-Day Battles

NPFL: Rangers, Rivers United, Ikorodu City, 3SC In Crucial Final-Day Battles

By Niyi Busari 

The 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League season is set for a dramatic conclusion on May 24, with the title race, continental qualification battle and relegation fight all expected to be decided on the final day, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Rangers International face arguably the toughest task in the title race as they travel to Lagos to take on Ikorodu City. The Enugu side must secure victory to maintain any realistic hope of overtaking Rivers United for the league crown.

Rivers United, meanwhile, appear to hold the advantage ahead of the final round of fixtures, with a home clash against Katsina United widely viewed as a favourable opportunity to seal the title.

Ikorodu City also have plenty at stake in Lagos. The newly promoted side must defeat Rangers and hope Niger Tornadoes overcome Shooting Stars in Minna to boost their chances of finishing in the top three and securing a continental ticket.

For Shooting Stars, a draw away to Niger Tornadoes could be enough to preserve their position, provided Ikorodu City fail to beat Rangers.

At the other end of the table, Niger Tornadoes remain locked in a tense relegation battle and must defeat Shooting Stars to improve their survival chances, while also relying on favourable outcomes elsewhere.

The survival fight remains remarkably tight, with clubs from Kano Pillars in 10th position down to Niger Tornadoes in 18th still not mathematically safe from relegation heading into the final day.

Bayelsa United and Wikki Tourists are the only two clubs already confirmed to be relegated.

Elsewhere, Nasarawa United, Bendel Insurance and Katsina United head into the final round with little left to fight for, having secured their top-flight status while remaining out of contention for the title or continental qualification places. Barau FC also appear close to securing safety.

Matchday 38 Fixtures – May 24, 2026

Niger Tornadoes vs Shooting Stars

Enyimba FC vs El-Kanemi Warriors

Bayelsa United vs Kwara United

Bendel Insurance vs Remo Stars

Ikorodu City vs Rangers International

Rivers United vs Katsina United

Kun Khalifat FC vs Wikki Tourists

Warri Wolves vs Abia Warriors

Plateau United vs Kano Pillars

Barau FC vs Nasarawa United