The battle for the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title takes a decisive turn today at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, when leaders, Rangers International, hosts Second-placed Enyimba in a Week 35 game.
Rangers and Enyimba will go into the battle knowing that any slip could damage their ambition of going home with the crown currently held by Enyimba.
A draw could open the way for third-placed Remo Stars to climb to the top if they succeed in beating Lobi Stars at the Lafia Township Stadium today.
Enyimba are still fighting at the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) tribunal to recover the two points deducted from their tally following unsavoury reports of the conduct of their game against Doma United earlier in the season.
Head-to-head, the two historic clubs have so far faced each other 29 times with Enyimba having more victories than their ‘Oriental brothers’. The ‘Peoples Elephants’ have won 14 times against Rangers’ nine while six matches ended in draws.
With three games left after today’s matches,
A clearer picture of the destination of the title will emerge as both teams have relatively easy run in to the season’s end.
Enyimba have what on paper looks like the more favourable run in with games against relegation-threatened Sporting Lagos and two home matches against Bayelsa United and Plateau United.
On the other hand, Rangers have two away games against 3SC of Ibadan and already relegated side, Gombe United, as well as a home tie with Bendel Insurance.
With either side fighting for a win, Remo Stars have gone to Lafia aiming for the win that would propel them to the top should Enyimba and Rangers draw in Enugu.
Rangers have 61 points, while second and third-placed Enyimba and Remo Stars have 59 points each. Enyimba are second on the table courtesy of their superior goals advantage.
Remo Stars have been a marvel in efficiency with their matured approach to the season bellying their status as a new club in the system.
They have performed excellently at home in the campaign, but their away form has been a source of worry for fans of the Daniel Ogunmodede tutored side, whose team have won only two games outside Ikenne.
Playing against a Lobi Stars side also dreaming of getting into the continent, the ask could be too much for the young Bet9ja side. They also
To topple Rangers and Enyimba, Secondly, Remo Stars need to beat Lobi Stars by at least seven goals to surpass Rangers’ goal difference and secure the top spot.
In other Week 35 games, Abia Warriors will host Bendel Insurance, Heartland are at home to Doma United and Rivers United will host Shooting Stars, while Sunshine Stars are at home to Akwa United.
The remaining two games will feature Bayelsa United against Sporting Lagos and Kano Pillars hosting Niger Tornadoes.
