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NPFL 2024/25: Drama Peaks as Relegation Fears and Continental Dreams Take Center Stage
Tolu Oguntimehin takes a look at the different fight centres for relegation survival and continental ticket slots
The 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster — filled with twists, late drama, and shifting narratives. With the title already clinched, the real battles now rage at both ends of the table: the desperate fight for survival and the thrilling chase for the final CAF Confederation Cup ticket.
In the heart of that continental race, two ambitious underdogs — Abia Warriors and Ikorodu City — are writing new chapters in their club histories. Abia Warriors, long-time league campaigners since their promotion under the stewardship of Pastor Emeka Enyama, have never tasted continental football. But this season, under the pragmatic leadership of Chairman John Obuh and the tactically adventurous Imama Amapakabo — affectionately known as Imamarimama — the Warriors are defying odds.
Their grit was on display Wednesday, snatching a vital point away to Niger Tornadoes after a bizarre mix-up between defender Idris Saidu and goalkeeper Iwu Emmanuel turned a harmless clearance into a shocking own goal. A lifeline delivered, just when it mattered most.
In Lagos, Ikorodu City showed their mettle in a pulsating 3-2 victory over an in-form Bayelsa United. Talisman Shola Adelani once again rose to the occasion, netting the decisive goal in the 52nd minute to keep their continental hopes burning bright.
Over in Aba, it was a vintage night for Brown Ideye, who rolled back the years with a sublime brace to power Enyimba past Kwara United in a crucial 2-0 win. The seasoned striker struck early in the 12th minute and returned just after halftime to seal all three points for the People’s Elephant.
Meanwhile, in Ibadan, Shooting Stars delivered a gritty performance to edge out fellow South-West rivals Sunshine Stars 1-0. The victory gave the Oluyole Warriors a much-needed cushion in the survival scrap, while Sunshine Stars’ fate was sealed — just waiting for official confirmation of relegation to the Nigeria National League next season.
In Enugu, Nasarawa United kept their hopes alive with a hard-fought 2-1 away win against already-doomed Lobi Stars. But whether this escape act becomes a full survival story remains to be seen, with two high-stakes matches left.
In Port Harcourt, Rivers United added salt to Rangers International’s wounds with a narrow 1-0 win. Rangers’ title hopes have long evaporated, and now their only path to the continent lies in a Federation Cup triumph.
In a surprise twist, Elkanemi Warriors brought the party to life by stunning newly crowned champions Remo Stars 2-0, playing behind close doors following the poor behavior of their fans in their home match against Ikorodu City, however, they had cause to celebrate with the exuberance of a team in “seventh heaven.”
Elsewhere, Katsina United left nothing to chance, edging Kano Pillars by a lone goal in a must-win Northern derby, while Emmanuel Amuneke could finally breathe a sigh of relief after his side’s commanding 2-0 win over Plateau United.
And in Benin, Bendel Insurance kept their continental flame alive with a crucial 1-0 victory over Akwa United, turning the heat up on their rivals ahead of a nail-biting season finale.
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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support
Joel Ajayi
Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.
More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.
The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.
Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.
The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.
Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.
Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.
Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.
Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.
The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.
Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.
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