Preview: 7 things that will happen in the NPFL this weekend

Some giants are wobbling, others quietly building something real. Every fixture this weekend in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, feels like a statement test, who still believes, and who’s losing grip?

From Ikenne to Port Harcourt, Aba to Ibadan, the pressure is real. Recent form tells a story: Remo Stars have been humbled, 4 losses in 5, including that painful 7–1 CAFCL defeat.

• Rivers United are stretched between CAF glory and NPFL duty.

• Enyimba are struggling for rhythm, while Rangers are flirting with inconsistency.

• Ikorodu City have quietly become a defensive machine.

• Shooting Stars just lost their unbeaten home record and want it back.

1.  Remo Stars will fight, not flourish

After being dismantled in Africa by South Africa giants Mamelodi Sundowns, expect a tense reaction rather than free-flowing football. 

Super Eagles assistant coach Daniel Ogunmodede and his Sky Blues will want a win and three points first, clean sheet second. 

But Kwara United will be stubborn to beat at home. So, expect a narrow grind-it-out win for the home side or draw.

2.  Rivers United will show tired legs, but strong mentality

Two points from nine shows fatigue, but Finidi George’s men, who made Champions League history, must learn how to survive in the chaos. 

Against leaders Nasarawa United, expect another late show: a scrappy 1-0 or 0-0 draw, powered by home advantage.

3.  Enyimba vs Kano Pillars: Someone’s bad run must end

Three defeats in a row versus one win in five, both sides are desperate for change in what has been a terrible start to the NPFL season. 

The People’s Elephant at home might just edge it 1–0, not pretty, but a sigh of relief for Stanley Eguma’s side.

4. Rangers could get stung again in Maiduguri

El-Kanemi Warriors already beat them there last time, and form favours the hosts heading into this one. 

Rangers’ quality should make it close, but unless they find sharpness, a 1–1 draw feels fair.

5.  Ikorodu City’s defence will extend their statement run

Six clean sheets, calm under pressure, with Michael Atata in between the sticks, and now they host Kun Khalifat, a brave but raw team. 

Expect Ikorodu to stay organised, score two goals, and keep another clean sheet to extend their run. 2–0 to the City Boys.

6.  Shooting Stars will bounce back at home - with goals

After losing their unbeaten run, there’s fire in Ibadan. Expect an emotional reaction, early intensity, and a convincing win over Katsina United. 

Fans will feel that swagger again. 3–1. The table will shift and confidence will too.

7. The table will shift, and with confidence, too

By Sunday night, someone will have rediscovered belief. Enyimba, Shooting, Ikorodu, one of them will use this weekend to remind Nigeria why they matter.