The 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season heads into Matchday 35 with everything still to play for with just four rounds remaining, the battle for the title, continental spots, and survival is intensifying backed by compelling numbers and standout individual performances.
The highest-scoring game of the season remains the dramatic 4-4 draw between Wikki Tourists and Katsina United. At home, Rangers International, Ikorodu City and El-Kanemi Warriors remain unbeaten an impressive show of dominance.
Bendel Insurance and Rangers have been fast starters, scoring 24 first half goals each, more than any other side. Late drama has been the trademark of Enyimba FC, who have scored 10 goals in the final 10 minutes more than any club this season.
Individually, Joseph Arumala leads the scoring chart with 12 goals, while Ayobami Abiodun Junior tops the assist rankings with 11. Chidozie Iwundu continues to shine with eight goals as the highest scoring defender.
NPFL Outstanding numbers after Matchday 34
Total matches played: 340
Total goals scored: 663
Total away wins: 39
Matchday 35 Preview & Predictions
Action returns on Sunday, April 19, across ten centres.
Early Kick-Off Battles
Wikki Tourists continue their fight for survival as they host Bendel Insurance.
The Giant Elephant sit 18th with 40 points, just two points away from safety. With only nine wins all season and 13 draws, survival has been a grind. A 3-0 defeat in the first leg will still be fresh, but desperation could be their biggest motivation here.
Bendel Insurance, meanwhile, come in with confidence after their last victory and sit comfortably in 7th with 49 points.
Prediction: Wikki Tourists 2-1 Bendel Insurance
In Jos, Plateau United (8th, 46 points) take on bottom side Kun Khalifat.
The visitors may be 20th with 39 points, but back-to-back wins against Nasarawa United and Warri Wolves have given them renewed hope. With survival on the line, expect a fight.
Prediction: 1-1
Abia Warriors host Ikorodu City in what could shape the ease for Continental football
Ikorodu sit 3rd with 55 points, while Abia Warriors are close behind in 4th with 52. Having already won the first leg, Ikorodu will fancy their chances, but Abia’s strong home form could be decisive.
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Prediction: 2-1
El-Kanemi Warriors face a tough test against Shooting Stars SC. The hosts are struggling, picking just five points from their last seven matches. Meanwhile, Shooting Stars are chasing continental football and remain unbeaten in seven head-to-head meetings since 2017.
Prediction: 2-1
The Oriental Derby
All eyes will be at the Cathedral as Rangers International host Enyimba FC in the biggest fixture of the weekend. Though the oriental derby will be played behind closed doors. Rangers have confirmed after being fined N4m and ordered to play remaining two home games behind closed doors by NFPL Board.
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Rangers are second with 56 points, just two behind the leaders, and remain unbeaten in 17 home games. Revenge for the 2-1 first-leg loss will also be on their minds.
Enyimba, however, have history on their side losing just once in their last seven NPFL meetings against Rangers, winning 4 of those with 2 draws and 1 loss.
Prediction: Rangers 3-1 Enyimba
League leaders Rivers United travel to Kano to face Ahmed Musa’s Kano Pillars.
While Rivers have been dominant at home, winning 14 games out of 17 but have stumble away from home. they’ve lost 7 games including 4 consecutive losses, against the likes of Shooting stars, Ikorodu city, Niger Tornadoes and Nasarawa United, failing to score in 2 of the 4. winning only 2. they’ve also drawn a high 8, a number of draws only matched by Barau FC away from home.
Their away form has been shaky, with seven defeats and just two wins. Kano Pillars, sitting 16th, need points to stay clear of danger.
Prediction: Kano Pillars 1-0 Rivers United
Katsina United vs Bayelsa United not the focus of the weekend as Both sides are still looking over their shoulders.
Prediction: 1-1
Kwara United vs Barau FC
Barau’s impressive season meets Kwara’s survival push.
Prediction: 2-1
Nasarawa United host Warri Wolves. The hosts are chasing continental football, while the Wolves still need points to stay safe. Expect goals.
Prediction: 2-2
Defending champions Remo Stars face Niger Tornadoes in what has become a survival battle. It has been a shocking campaign for Remo, with 18 defeats already. But with just three points separating several teams, a win here could change everything.
Prediction: Remo Stars 2-0 Niger Tornadoes
Matchday 35 could define the season with only a few games left, the reality is simple, no team is safe, and nothing is guaranteed.
