As the curtain falls on the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, all eyes turn to the bottom of the table, where the battle for survival takes centre stage in a dramatic Matchday 38 finale.
Champions Crowned, But the Relegation Battle Rages
While Remo Stars have deservedly lifted the title, and continental tickets have been secured by Rivers United and Abia Warriors, the real tension lies at the opposite end of the table.
Read Also: Remo Stars Crowned NPFL Champions as Governor Abiodun Presents Trophy in Ikenne
With Lobi Stars and Sunshine Stars already relegated, two of the remaining four clubs still in danger will join them in the drop as fans braces for a dramatic finish to the season.
Heartland vs Akwa United: A Titanic Clash in Owerri
The standout fixture of the final day takes place at Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, where Heartland host Akwa United in a do-or-die encounter between two former NPFL champions.
Heartland’s fate is not in their hands: even a win will only be enough if Niger Tornadoes lose and both Katsina United and El-Kanemi Warriors fail to win. Anything less, and the Naze Millionaires could become the first NPFL club to suffer back-to-back relegations, having narrowly escaped the drop last season due to Beyond Limits FA’s disqualification.
Heartland have shown some late resolve, with two wins in their last five and an overall tally of 11 victories and 12 draws, time will tell if they will escalate their fourth relegation in the last 10 years.
Akwa United, champions as recently as 2021, are clinging to survival by the slimmest of margins.
With 44 points, they must win in Owerri and pray that both Katsina United and El-Kanemi Warriors slip up. A draw or any win by their relegation rivals will consign the Promise Keepers to the drop.
Having conceded 37 goals and scored only 34, Akwa’s defensive frailties and inconsistent form—17 losses this season—have made this a campaign to forget.
Both Akwa United and Heartland needed a win and then wait for results elsewhere before the winner can escape, a draw will relegate both teams.
El-Kanemi Warriors vs Sunshine Stars: A Must Win For the Warriors
In Maiduguri, El-Kanemi Warriors face relegated Sunshine Stars in a high-stakes clash. With 46 points, El-Kanemi need a win to guarantee safety.
A draw or loss could open the door for either Heartland or Akwa United to leapfrog them.
El-Kanemi’s campaign has been riddled with draws—13 in total, the most in the relegation zone. Their recent form is unimpressive, with just one win in their last ten outings. Still, they’ve shown resilience, losing only six of their last 13 matches.
Katsina United: Home Fortress Faces Final Test
Katsina United, sitting 15th with 47 points, host Kwara United in a must-win clash. The visitors, already safe in 12th with 50 points, have little at stake beyond pride.
Katsina’s survival scenario is straightforward: win and they’re safe. A draw or loss, however, could prove fatal. Their attack has been toothless, scoring just 29 goals all season—the second-worst tally in the league. Defensively, they’ve been more solid, conceding 36 times, which has kept them in contention. With two wins and two losses in their last five, they need one final push at home.
Niger Tornadoes vs Kano Pillars: The Dark Horse Scenario
Niger Tornadoes, currently 14th with 48 points, remain in danger if they lose to Kano Pillars in Kaduna and both Heartland and Akwa United win.
Their form is shaky, with just one win in five and a concerning 44 goals conceded this season. They’ve failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five and will be hoping Pillars’ inconsistency works in their favour.
Kano Pillars, safe in 7th with 53 points, have been erratic lately—alternating wins and losses in their last five. However, their 42 goals scored make them one of the stronger attacking sides in mid-table.
A Grim Farewell for Lobi Stars
Lobi Stars wrap up their miserable campaign against Bendel Insurance. With only five wins and a league-low 27 goals, Lobi have been the poorest side this season. They failed to win a single away game and will depart the top flight in need of a complete overhaul.
Insurance, meanwhile, are still pushing for a fourth-place finish, tied on 56 points with Ikorodu City and narrowly ahead of Enyimba. Motivation will be high on their end to end the season on a strong note.
Final Day, Final Whistle, Final Excitement
All matches will kick off simultaneously on Sunday, ensuring every second counts in what promises to be a heart-stopping finale. With four teams still in danger and only two places of safety, every goal, every card, and every tackle could be the difference between survival and relegation.
 season, all eyes turn to the bottom){kind=link}