Battle for top three positions as well as struggle against relegation are the high points of the Nigerian Premier Football League which abridged format draws to a close this Sunday, the 119th anniversary of the world football governing body, FIFA.
Undoubtedly, it is about the best organised league that Nigeria has had in recent history as the Interim Management Committee strives to end the season on high note.
There are three major battle grounds cut across the tow conferences of the league.
For some of the teams, it is a stroll in the park. Bendel Insurance in Group A belong to that category. In group B, Rivers United have navigated their ways into the Super 6 just as Lobi Stars are also home and dry.
Others have their destinies in their hands. Remo Stars just have to beat visiting Kwara United to either retain their third position or even climb higher, depending on the results obtained by Enyimba in their match with Shooting Stars in Ibadan.
Remo Stars have 30 points, just three behind that of the group leaders, Bendel Insurance and a point behind Enyimba (31).
Owing to massive goal surplus of Bendel Insurance, only Enyimba with a win in Ibadan can upstage Bendel Insurance, should the group leaders lose in Nasarawa.
Some other teams will depend on results elsewhere to know their fate. That applies to Akwa United who will wish that Remo Stars lose at home to Kwara United while they either draw or beat Gombe United in their away duel.
The same applies to the duo of Doma United and Sunshine Stars who are jostling for the third position in Group B.
With 26 points, Doma are currently third, but could be upstaged by Sunshine Stars who have 24 points.
If Sunshine Stars win at home against Dakkada and Doma United lose their away duel at Abia Warriors, it will be advantage Sunshine Stars.
All the Fixtures
Group A
- Remo Stars v. Kwara United
- Shooting Stars v. Enyimba
- El Kanemi v. Plateau United
- Nasarawa v. Bendel Insurance
- Gombe United v. Akwa United
Group B
- Lobi Stars v. Wikki Tourists
- Bayelsa United v. Niger Tornadoes
- Sunshine Stars v. Dakkada
- Abia Warriors v. Doma United
- Enugu Rangers v. Rivers United
