The 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) resumes this weekend with Matchday 22 fixtures scheduled across the country, and the stakes are high at both ends of the table.
Rivers United remain top after 21 matches with 41 points from 11 wins, but their lead is far from secure. Abia Warriors are close behind in second place on 37 points, while Ikorodu City and Nasarawa United are both level on 35 points. Rangers International are also in the mix with 33 points, and Bendel Insurance and Shooting Stars are tied on 32 points, leaving the title race wide open.
The round of matches begins on Saturday with a crucial survival clash as Katsina United host Plateau United. Katsina sit on 29 points, while Plateau are struggling on 23 points, making the encounter important for both sides in the relegation battle.
Most of the NPFL fixtures will take place on Sunday, January 25. El Kanemi Warriors welcome Ikorodu City, with the visitors aiming to stay firmly in the title hunt. Barau take on Bayelsa United in a game that could shape the mid table picture as both teams search for consistency.
Remo Stars host bottom placed Khun Khalifat in Ibadan, where they will now play their home matches after being banished to the Lekan Salami Stadium following crowd violence. They will be hoping to take advantage of the fixture against a side fighting relegation.
Rangers International face Warri Wolves as they look to strengthen their title push against a Wolves side that has proved difficult to break down this season.
The match between Kwara United and Rivers United has been postponed because Rivers United are involved in a CAF Champions League Matchday 3 fixture against Power Dynamos.
With only a few points separating the top eight teams, Matchday 22 is expected to have a major impact on the title race. At the other end of the table, the margins are just as tight, meaning every point will be crucial in the fight to avoid relegation.
