The 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season is set to kick off on Saturday, August 31, with fans eagerly anticipating an enthralling experience as the 20-team fixtures set the stage aglow.
In this piece, Completesports.com’s ADEBOYE AMOSU discusses the teams that have the potential to compete well and battle for the title, as well as those that might be overwhelmed by the competitiveness of the Nigerian top flight and finish the campaign as relegation candidates.
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Rangers International
The title holders will surely be in the mix again in the 2024/25 season. Top scorer Godwin Obaje has left Rangers for Oman, but the Flying Antelopes have retained the majority of their key players from last season.
Anayor Ogbonna, who starred for Gombe United last season, will take Obaje’s place in the team.
Evans Ogbonda, Ekeson Okorie, Somtochukwu Nwobodo, and Garanado Tekena are other players who have joined the Coal City club.
The experience of head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu will also be crucial in navigating what is expected to be a tough season in title defence.
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Enyimba International
The nine-time champions finished third last season, but they will look to claim the ultimate prize this time around. Young tactician, Yemi Olanrewaju, formerly an assistant to the team’s erstwhile handler, Finidi George, was recently confirmed as the substantive Head Coach.
Olanrewaju will be managing an NPFL side for the first time, having worked as an assistant at the defunct MFM FC.
The 32-year-old is well respected by the players, which will be a positive factor in making his tenure a success.
Enyimba recently announced several quality signings, including Moses Adukwu, Ani Chigozie, Asibe Nathaniel, Abubakar Zalli, Wasiu Jimoh, and Francis Odinaka.
Remo Stars
Daniel Ogunmodede’s side has finished as runners-up in the last two seasons. One wouldn’t bet against the Sky Blue Stars going a step further this time around.
The Ikenne club has a settled squad with the likes of captain Junior Nduka, Ghanaian import Frank Mawuena, Sodiq Ismail, and talismanic forward Sikiru Alimi still on board.
Powerful centre-back Ifeanyi Anaemena has returned to the club after a stint at Abia Warriors, while experienced defender Sani Faisal has joined from Katsina United.
Ogunmodede signed a three-year contract extension last week, a testament to the club’s appreciation of his work.
Shooting Stars
The Oluyole Warriors made a big impression last season, finishing fourth on the log and barely missing out on a continental place.
Experienced tactician Gbenga ‘The Oracle’ Ogunbote is still in charge, with all the players from last season still at his disposal.
However, captain Taofeek Malomo left last week for Albanian side FK Bylis.
Plateau United
The Jos club impressed many with their brand of football last season. Mbwas Mangut’s side took time to gel but made a late surge for a continental ticket.
The addition of Adeyinka Adewale, Ibe Michael, Chinedu Michael, and Kenneth James has made the squad more formidable.
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Ikorodu City
The modest club will be making their maiden appearance in the top flight after gaining promotion from the Nigeria National League (NNL) last season.
So far, the Oga Boys have bolstered their squad with four new players: Rivio Ayemnwere, Alade Solomon, Emmanuel Solomon, and Folarin Temitope.
Their squad is full of inexperienced players who are not expected to withstand the rigours of the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Beyond Limits Academy
The Ikenne club won the Nigeria National League (NNL) title last season, but a lack of experience could hamper their chances of maintaining top-flight status.
The club has yet to add any experienced players to their squad.
Bayelsa United
The Restoration Boys managed to escape demotion on the final day of last season and are not expected to fare much better in the upcoming season.
Kwara United
The Harmony Waves have struggled to stay in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) over the last two seasons and could find the going tough again this time around.
Kwara United failed to impress in pre-season friendlies, aside from the win against Sudanese club Al Merreikh.
