The 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League season will reach a thrilling climax on May 24, with the championship race, continental qualification chase and relegation battle all set to be decided on the final day of the campaign.
Attention will be firmly fixed on Lagos, where Rangers International face a crucial away clash against Ikorodu City in one of the standout fixtures of Matchday 38.
The Enugu-based side must secure all three points to keep alive their hopes of snatching the league title from Rivers United.
League leaders Rivers United appear to hold the upper hand heading into the decisive round of matches.
The Port Harcourt club will host Katsina United, with many viewing the encounter as a favourable opportunity for them to secure the championship in front of their supporters.
Ikorodu City also have plenty to play for despite standing in Rangers’ path.
The newly promoted side remain in contention for a top-three finish and a continental ticket. To achieve that ambition, they must defeat Rangers and hope Niger Tornadoes can take points off Shooting Stars in Minna.
Shooting Stars head into their away fixture against Niger Tornadoes knowing that even a draw could be enough to protect their position in the top three, provided Ikorodu City fail to overcome Rangers International.
The clash in Minna is equally significant at the bottom end of the table, with Niger Tornadoes fighting to avoid relegation.
The hosts need victory to improve their survival hopes while depending on results from other centres.
The battle to remain in the top flight remains extremely tense, as clubs from Kano Pillars in 10th place down to Niger Tornadoes in 18th are still mathematically at risk of relegation heading into the final day.
Bayelsa United and Wikki Tourists are the only teams already confirmed to drop to the lower division, while several others continue to battle for survival.
Meanwhile, Nasarawa United, Bendel Insurance and Katsina United have little left at stake after securing their NPFL status for next season and falling out of contention for both the title and continental qualification spots.
Barau FC are also believed to be on the verge of confirming their safety.
Matchday 38 Fixtures – May 24, 2026
Niger Tornadoes vs Shooting Stars
Enyimba FC vs El-Kanemi Warriors
Bayelsa United vs Kwara United
Bendel Insurance vs Remo Stars
Ikorodu City vs Rangers International
Rivers United vs Katsina United
Kun Khalifat FC vs Wikki Tourists
Warri Wolves vs Abia Warriors
Plateau United vs Kano Pillars
Barau FC vs Nasarawa United
