With the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) title race nearing its climax, Remo Stars have taken a commanding lead, sitting eight points clear at the top as they edge closer to their first-ever league crown.

Following a setback in Benin against Bendel Insurance, Remo Stars bounced back with a 2-0 victory over Heartland in Ikenne, extending their points tally to 57. Their nearest challengers, Rivers United, remain second with 49 points after a hard-fought 2-1 win over El-Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri.

Defending champions Enugu Rangers and Ikorodu City both sit on 45 points, separated only by goal difference, while Abia Warriors trail closely behind in fifth. With the title seemingly within Remo Stars’ grasp, the real battle now is for the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup spots.

The second-placed team will join the champions in the 2025/26 CAF Champions League, while the third-placed side will secure a CAF Confederation Cup ticket. Shooting Stars, Kano Pillars (both on 43 points), and eighth-placed Enyimba are all still in contention if results go their way.

Enyimba, on a four-game unbeaten run, were denied an away win against Ikorodu City after a dramatic 98th-minute equalizer forced a 2-2 draw. Coach Stanley Eguma remains optimistic despite the setback, saying, “We will take it one game at a time. No game is easy, but we will keep fighting until the end of the season.”

As the season enters its crucial stage, teams will battle for valuable points this weekend. Remo Stars travel to face Lobi Stars in Enugu, while Bendel Insurance hosts Sunshine Stars. Enyimba faces Bayelsa United at home, while Plateau United takes on Kano Pillars in Jos. Shooting Stars must win against Niger Tornadoes in Ibadan to stay in the continental race.

With just a few games left, every point counts as teams scramble for their spot in next season’s CAF competitions.