Strategic partners of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), GTI Asset Management and Trust Limited, have praised the standout standard and high-stakes intensity sweeping through the competition as the 2025/2026 campaign moves toward an historic, decisive climax scheduled for tomorrow.
Speaking in Lagos on the eve of the final stretch, GTI’s Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, highlighted the clubs’ determination and relentless edge. With the league prize, places in continental competitions, and the fight to avoid the drop all still up for grabs, he suggested supporters are in for one of the most compelling closing matchdays ever seen in Nigerian football.
“It’s going to be a huge weekend full of raw feeling, because the stakes are extremely high,” Ekejiuba said. “Nine of the ten fixtures on Matchday 38 are directly tied to crucial outcomes for the teams involved—something that clearly shows how much the league has grown in competitiveness this season.”
“GTI is pleased to see a situation where top clubs are pursuing continental success at the same time as others are battling for survival on the very last day of the season.”
Ekejiuba also pointed to Rangers International, claiming that for much of the campaign they appeared set for glory under Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu. He credited the side’s charge to a strong defensive setup, clear tactical discipline, and consistent performances—particularly on the road.
“The Flying Antelopes have conceded only 25 goals throughout the season, which is the best defensive record in the division,” he noted. “They’ve been grinding out results with the mindset of genuine champions. Still, their meeting against Ikorodu City this weekend will be their biggest test, especially because Ikorodu City are unbeaten at home and are pushing hard for a spot in the CAF Confederation Cup.”
Alongside the title race, Ekejiuba reserved praise for Rivers United and Coach Finidi George, describing their rise from second place into a more structured and resilient side.
“Rivers United have turned the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium into a real fortress, staying unbeaten at home since October 2025,” Ekejiuba said. “Their stunning 3-2 comeback win over Wikki Tourists in Bauchi on Matchday 37 captured their refusal to fold. They’ll be counting heavily on their fast forward, Wisdom Samuel, to find the goals when Katsina United visit.”
The final-day scenario is as tight as it gets: Rangers are top with 65 points, while Rivers United are just one point behind on 64. Rivers United are required to win and will need Rangers to drop points if they are to lift the title.
With sporting integrity in mind, the NPFL has scheduled all Matchday 38 fixtures to begin at the same time, with kick-offs set for 4:00 p.m.
Even beyond the spotlight in Lagos and Port Harcourt, the rest of the table is packed with tension. Shooting Stars SC are still working toward qualification for continental football, while the season’s shocks have left defending champions Remo Stars FC and long-established heavyweights Kano Pillars FC locked in a tense fight to steer clear of the relegation positions.
There is also extra excitement surrounding the NPFL Golden Boot race, where the leading scorer’s advantage is razor-thin—just one goal separates the top tier of contenders.
“Rangers’ forward Godwin Obaje currently tops the standings with 14 goals,” Ekejiuba concluded. “But he’s being challenged strongly by Remo Stars captain Victor Mbaoma, Ikorodu City standout Joseph Arumala, and Wikki Tourists striker Jonathan Mairiga—each on 13 goals. With margins this close, the battle for the Golden Boot is set up perfectly for an unforgettable, emotional ending.”
