With Remo Stars officially crowned champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and securing the first ticket to the CAF Champions League, the battle for the remaining continental slots is intensifying in what is shaping up to be a thrilling four-horse race.
Rivers United, Abia Warriors, Ikorodu City, and Enyimba are all vying for the two remaining automatic tickets—one for the CAF Champions League and another for the CAF Confederation Cup.
The NPFL’s top two teams qualify directly for the CAF Champions League, while the third-placed team secures an automatic spot in the CAF Confederation Cup.
With just three matchdays left and nine points still on the table, the race remains wide open. Only six points separate second-placed Rivers United from seventh-placed Kano Pillars, underscoring how tight the competition is. Similarly, just six points separate third-placed Abia Warriors and Kano Pillars, making every remaining fixture crucial.
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Rivers United, currently second, are focused on holding their position to secure a CAF Champions League berth. Their final push begins with a tough home clash against Enugu Rangers on Wednesday, followed by an away trip to Kwara United, and then a home finale against Nasarawa United.
Abia Warriors, in third and just two points behind Rivers United, are eyeing a second-place finish. Their run-in starts with an away fixture against Niger Tornadoes on Wednesday, followed by a home game against El Kanemi Warriors, and concludes with a potentially decisive clash against Ikorodu City.
Ikorodu City, fourth on the table, trail Abia Warriors by three points and Rivers United by five. Their path to a continental spot begins with a home game against Bayelsa United on May 7, followed by a tough visit to newly crowned champions Remo Stars on May 11, before hosting Abia Warriors in what could be a crucial final-day showdown.
Enyimba, currently fifth with 52 points, still have a fighting chance, particularly for the CAF Confederation Cup slot. To stay in contention, they must win all three of their remaining matches: a home game against Kwara United, a road trip to Nasarawa United, and a final fixture at home, likely against another top contender.
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