NPFL Week 29 throws up some curios fixtures as the league season winds down. The jostle at the top is intense, with little room for errors.
Enugu Rangers sit atop the table and go into NPFL week 29 fixtures with a massive game on their hands. The Flying Antelopes are in a fierce battle with Enyimba, Lobi Stars and Remo Stars for the title.
It has been a long time since the league saw excitement like this. Fans are eager to see their favourite teams in action, and all they can ask at this crucial stage of the NPFL is for fair officiating.
There have been a few questionable calls, but it does little to negate the quality of football so far, as the top four teams go into NPFL Week 29 knowing that any error could be the difference between winning the league and picking a continental ticket.
NPFL Week 29 predictions
Plateau United seeking Doma scalp to return to title hunt
Plateau United are in a slump following three straight defeats that have jeopardized their chances of winning the league. Their last win came on the 13th of March when they defeated Gombe United 2-1 at home.
Their NPFL Week 29 fixture is against a team from Gombe suffering a downtime.
The Savannah Tigers won their first game in 12 matches. A surprise 0-1 win away to Akwa United helped them into 11th spot to stave off the threat of relegation for the moment.
This Weekend in the NPFL…
Match day 29.
▫️Top table clash in #LOBENY #NPFL24 pic.twitter.com/ryt0XLokt4
— NPFL News 🇳🇬 (@NPFL_News) April 4, 2024
The loss to Abia Warriors was Plateau United’s first home loss this season, and they hope to make it their last. They need a win to keep in touch with the top four. Hilary Albert and Silas Nenrot will be vital to picking all three points.
Prediction: Both teams picked up vital wins, but the hosts have more at stake. The title is not beyond them yet. Plateau United to win 1-0.
Akwa United need a miracle in Ikenne
Remo Stars have a game in hand and must win both matches to return to the summit.
Their NPFL Week 29 opponent, Akwa United, is going through a topsy-turvy form. The relegation-threatened side are no pushovers and can constitute a nuisance for the Sky Blues.
Two weeks ago, the Promise keepers caused an upset with a 2-1 win over title chasers Plateau United, but they surprisingly lost at home to Doma United a week later.
Remo Stars needs Alimi Sikiru to return to goal-scoring form, but they also have to keep an eye on Sani Suleiman, who has scored six goals in Akwa United’s last seven games.
Prediction: Akwa United have failed to score in two of their last seven matches. Their defence has been a letdown, but if their attack comes to the party, they can scrape something from Ikenne. Remo to win 1-0.
High-flying Enugu Rangers test unbeaten run against the Chanji Boys
Enugu Rangers can smell the league title. They are within reach of their eighth league title but up against a dangerous customer.
The Flying Antelopes will test their unbeaten run against a side yet to lose at home. The Chanji Boys may flounder on the road but become men in front of their vociferous fans.
They have struggled at home recently, and Enugu Rangers may take confidence in that going into their NPFL Week 29 tie. Against Kano Pillars, the Chanji Boys laboured to a 3-2 win. They came from behind to get a 1-1 draw against Heartland. They repeated the act against Plateau United and Abia Warriors.
However, Katsina United need to be wary of the Flying Antelopes, who have the best away record this season.
Prediction: Enugu Rangers will look to Kalu Nweke, Onyebuchi Ifeanyi and Godwin Obaje to deliver the goods, while the Chanji Boys pin their hopes on Andrew Idoko, Ezeh Chidera and Nazifi Yahaya to deliver. It looks like where the unbeaten run would end for the Flying Antelopes, but they could sneak a draw.
Lobi Stars in premium battle with the People’s Elephant
It is the peak of the pack this weekend. Enyimba and Lobi Stars are both challenging for the title. Both teams have the same points. It will be a monumental battle for the title.
Enyimba is fresh off a 5-0 win over Kano Pillars and will feel confident of at least a point in Makurdi.
Lobi Stars secured a vital 1-1 draw away to Sporting Lagos and know they must win to leave the title chase as tight as possible.
We’re into the final lap of the NPFL season with ten games to go. A fun season so far!@Rangers_Intl currently have a 3-point lead at the top of the table, will the Flying Antelopes be able to keep @EnyimbaFC, @LobiStars and @RemoStarsSC at bay?
Who’s winning it all? #NPFL24 pic.twitter.com/dhRv35xNJU
— #NaijaSuper8 (@ns8official) April 5, 2024
It will be a battle of two NPFL 2023-24 season top scorers – Samuel Tiza Iorwuese and Chijioke Mbaoma. Who will win this battle?
Prediction: Lobi Stars hope to continue their formidable home record, where they are yet to lose but have dropped points twice. Lobi Stars should win marginally.
Shooting Stars dares Pillars at home
Kano Pillars looks like a side running on fumes. In the run down to the end of the season, they need a refill to stand a chance of at least finishing in the top four.
Their current form suggests that Shooting should fancy their chances of picking at least a point in this game.
Prediction: Sai Masu Gida to win.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 day ago
