Honestly, if you looked at the nigeria premier league table at the start of the season and tried to predict where we’d be by mid-January 2026, you probably would’ve lost your shirt. This season has been a total fever dream. We are currently sitting at Matchday 20, and the usual power dynamics in the NPFL have basically been tossed out the window.
Rivers United are currently the ones to catch. They’re sitting pretty at the top with 38 points. But don’t let that gap fool you; it’s not exactly a comfortable lead when you’ve got the likes of Abia Warriors and a very persistent Ikorodu City breathing down your neck. It’s wild because Ikorodu City—the newcomers everyone was skeptical about—are currently sitting in 3rd place with 32 points. Talk about a "fearless" debut.
The Top Four Scramble
Right now, Rivers United has a four-point cushion. They recently pulled off a 0-0 draw against Rangers International at the "Cathedral" in Enugu. Some fans called it boring, but for the Pride of Rivers, that’s a massive point away from home.
Abia Warriors are in 2nd with 34 points. They missed a huge chance to close the gap on Rivers last Wednesday when they drew 1-1 with Plateau United. You’ve got to feel for them; Emeka Obioma got them ahead, but they couldn’t hold the line.
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Then you have the chasing pack at 32 points:
- Ikorodu City: Despite a 1-0 loss to Remo Stars recently, they are the season's biggest surprise.
- Shooting Stars (3SC): They just demolished Enyimba 3-0 in the WABIA derby. Ibadan was literally shaking after that one.
- Nasarawa United: The "Solid Miners" are still right there, even after a tough 1-0 home loss to Kano Pillars.
Why the Big Names are Struggling
Enyimba is the elephant in the room. They are currently 12th. Yes, you read that right. The People's Elephant is struggling for consistency, sitting with just 26 points after 20 games. Losing 3-0 to Shooting Stars wasn't just a defeat; it felt like a statement that the old guard is under serious fire.
Remo Stars, the defending champions, aren't exactly flying high either. They’re in 13th place with 25 points. They did manage to win their first match at their permanent home in Ikenne against Ikorodu City, but they’ve got a mountain to climb if they want to defend that title. It's kinda crazy how fast things change in this league.
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The Gritty Battle at the Bottom
The relegation zone is a stressful place to be right now. Kun Khalifat FC is rooted to the bottom with 18 points. Just above them is Plateau United (20 points), who are hoping the appointment of "the Oracle" Gbenga Ogunbote as their new Technical Adviser can pull off a miracle.
Kano Pillars are in a weird spot. They’re 18th in the nigeria premier league table, but they just went to Lafia and beat Nasarawa United 1-0. With 22 points, they are only a win away from jumping out of the red zone. That’s the beauty (or horror) of the NPFL—one weekend can move you four spots up or down.
Who’s Actually Scoring?
If you're looking for the Golden Boot race, Victor Mbaoma is still the man. He’s got 8 goals for the season. Anas Yusuf isn't far behind with 6. It’s been a relatively low-scoring season overall, averaging about 1.84 goals per match, but the defensive discipline has been top-tier.
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Actionable Insights for the Rest of the Season
If you’re following the league closely or looking at the nigeria premier league table for betting or just bragging rights, keep an eye on these factors:
- Home Advantage is Dying (Slowly): We’re seeing more away wins this season. Kano Pillars, Bendel Insurance, and Warri Wolves all picked up massive points on the road on Matchday 20. Don't automatically assume a home win anymore.
- The "Newbie" Factor: Ikorodu City and Barau FC are playing with zero respect for "big names." Barau is already up to 15th and climbing.
- Watch the Continental Slots: Remember, the top two go to the CAF Champions League, while third place gets the Confederation Cup. The fight for that 3rd spot is going to be a bloodbath between now and May.
Next time you check the standings, don't be surprised if another giant has fallen. This 2025/2026 season is proving that in Nigerian football, reputation means absolutely nothing once the whistle blows.