2024/2025 NPFL Season Delivers Drama, Surprises, and Records

The 2024/2025 NPFL season will go down as one of the most dramatic and unpredictable campaigns in recent history. It was a year marked by shifting power dynamics, historic achievements, and underdog triumphs that reshaped the landscape of Nigerian top-flight football. Traditional powerhouses faltered, making way for new contenders, with Remo Stars FC emerging as champions against all odds.

Remo Stars' victory was particularly historic, as they became the first Ogun State-based club and the first privately owned side since 2006 to clinch the NPFL title. Their win was sealed in dramatic fashion — with three games to spare — making them the first club from the Southwest to win the league since 1991. This achievement also earned them a spot in the 2026 CAF Champions League.

The league also saw standout performances, notably from Nasarawa United's Anas Yusuf. In a remarkable feat, he finished as the league’s top scorer with 16 goals, despite playing for a team outside the top five. Even more impressively, Yusuf achieved this as a winger and team captain, reinforcing his status as one of the league’s most impactful players.

Managerial brilliance also played a role, particularly from Abia Warriors’ head coach Imama Amapakabo. Under his leadership, the club secured a continental ticket, outperforming many traditional clubs and demonstrating tactical prowess and team cohesion.

On the organizational front, the NPFL made notable progress. The 2024/2025 season featured better infrastructure, improved scheduling, and enhanced security at venues — all contributing to a more professional atmosphere for players, fans, and officials.

Remo Stars’ Historic NPFL Triumph

Remo Stars FC capped off a remarkable 2024/2025 NPFL season by clinching their first-ever league title, powered by sole sponsor and billionaire Kunle Soname, who celebrated his 59th birthday on the day of their triumph. Since returning to the top flight in 2021, the club has consistently secured continental qualifications and earned a reputation as one of the NPFL’s most organized outfits.

Their title run was marked by early intent, starting with a 2-0 away win against Abia Warriors and collecting 18 points on the road without losing a home match. Key victories, including a fierce derby win over 3SC and Kano Pillars’ upset over Rivers United, proved decisive. While striker Sikiru Alimi netted 15 goals this season, it was shy of his league-high tally in 2023/24. After finishing third in 2021/22 and second in the next two seasons, Remo Stars finally broke through. Their official trophy presentation is set for May 7, in a symbolic home fixture against Ikorodu City.

Rivers United’s Title Chase Falls Short Despite Strong Campaign

Rivers United FC, under the guidance of coach Finidi George, mounted a strong challenge for the 2024/2025 NPFL title but ultimately fell short, finishing second behind champions Remo Stars. Despite bolstering their attack with experienced striker Brown Ideye and maintaining an unbeaten run in several away fixtures, Rivers United dropped crucial home points, including a damaging 0-1 loss to Bayelsa United and draws against El-Kanemi Warriors, Plateau United, and Bendel Insurance.

These setbacks allowed Remo Stars to capitalize and pull ahead. Still, the “Pride of Rivers” ended the season respectably with 64 points from 38 games and standout performances from goalkeeper Osagie Onisodumeya. Supported by the Rivers State Government and long-term sponsor Eunisell, the club continued its impressive run as a top contender in Nigerian football.

Abia Warriors, the History Makers of the 2024/2025 NPFL Season

Abia Warriors defied expectations in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season with a historic campaign that earned them a third-place finish and their first-ever continental ticket. Under the tactical guidance of coach Imama Amapakabo, the “Umu Chineke Boys” overcame a mid-season dip caused by injuries and poor form, bouncing back with a high-pressing, attacking strategy that reignited their campaign.

The duo of Anthony Ijoma Dessouza and Super Eagles invitee Sunday Megwo led the charge, both scoring 12 goals and tormenting defences across the league. Notably, their landmark 3-1 victory over powerhouse Enyimba in Match Day 32 showcased their rise above expectations. Despite limited resources compared to their state rivals, Abia Warriors finished strong with 60 points from 38 games (18 wins, 6 draws, and 14 losses), writing a new chapter in their club’s legacy and securing a place in next season’s continental competition.

Ikorodu City’s remarkable rise from Rookie to Ranking

Ikorodu City FC’s debut season in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) was a story of remarkable transformation and success. After a slow start under former coach Bright Ozebagbe, who failed to win in five matches, the team’s fortunes changed under Nuruden Aweroro and later Oluwatosin Adeleye. With standout performances from top scorer Shola Adelani, who netted 12 goals, the newly promoted side defied all odds to finish fourth with 59 points.

Ikorodu City stunned fans with thrilling wins—ending Rivers United’s unbeaten run and recording the biggest home win of the season against Katsina United. Backed by strategic sponsorships from BetKing and Indomie, the “Oga Boys” not only played fearless, attacking football but also reached the semi-finals of the President’s Federation Cup, cementing their status as one of the NPFL’s breakout teams of the 2024/2025 season.

The Rise of Bendel Insurance from Obscurity to Contenders

Bendel Insurance FC delivered one of the surprise stories of the 2024/2025 NPFL season, bouncing back from early relegation threats to secure a commendable 5th-place finish with 56 points. Following the dismissal of long-serving coach Monday Odigie, interim boss Greg Ikhenoba led a remarkable revival, steering the team through a strong second half of the season marked by key victories, including a 1–0 win over Heartland. Central to their resurgence were star striker Ismail Sarki and Imade Osarenkhoe, who combined for 32 goals, while the club also benefited from a renewed ₦50 million sponsorship deal with Sterling Bank.

Enyimba International FC Falter Despite High Hopes

Enyimba International FC, Nigeria’s most successful club, endured a disappointing 2024/2025 NPFL campaign, finishing 6th with 55 points — their lowest placement in four years. Despite starting the season brightly with a comeback win over Heartland and securing a CAF Confederation Cup group stage spot, the team struggled with consistency, especially at home where eight frustrating draws left them 15th in the home form rankings. Star signing Joseph Atule offered brief sparks with 11 goal contributions, but overall attacking output was underwhelming, and fan apathy grew as the club missed out on continental qualification.

Plateau United FC: A Season of Instability and Missed Opportunities

Plateau United FC’s 2024/2025 NPFL season was defined by inconsistency, management shakeups, and unfulfilled ambitions, culminating in a 7th-place finish. Despite starting the season with high hopes of continental qualification, internal turbulence — including threats of a coaching change and restructuring — alongside a lack of fan support and off-field incidents, notably the attack on player Vincent Temitope, overshadowed progress on the pitch. Though they retained sponsorships with Bond Chemical Industries and struck development partnerships, the "Peace Boys" failed to build on their previous season's 5th-place finish, leaving fans with more questions than answers.

Shooting Stars SC: A Season of Promise Dimmed by Pressure and Sanctions

Shooting Stars SC, one of Nigeria's most historic clubs, began the 2024/2025 NPFL season with continental ambitions under the guidance of coach Gbenga "The Oracle" Ogunbote. After a strong mid-season run, including an 8-game unbeaten streak, expectations soared. However, the Oluyole Warriors crumbled under pressure and ultimately faltered when it mattered most.

Their season took a darker turn following violent fan unrest during a derby clash with Ikorodu City, resulting in multiple fines totaling ₦8 million and a stadium ban. The chaos, poor security management, and failure to meet expectations led to a disappointing 8th-place finish with 54 points. Ogunbote has since vowed to reassess the team’s structure ahead of next season.

Kano Pillars FC: A Season of Chaos and Unfulfilled Potential

Kano Pillars FC endured a turbulent 2024/2025 NPFL season, finishing in 9th place with 53 points from 38 matches—far below expectations. A delayed start to preparations and the late appointment of a technical adviser proved costly. Internal unrest further plagued the Sai Masu Gida, with head coach Usman Abdallah suspended mid-season following poor form and clashes with fans.

Though legends like Ahmed Musa and Rabiu Ibrahim showed flashes of brilliance—combining for 23 goals—their efforts couldn’t compensate for the club's lack of consistency and stability. Interim coach Ahmed “Yaro Yaro” Garba struggled to steady the ship, and despite government backing and sponsorship from Gongoni, the team failed to mount a serious challenge. Once a powerhouse, Kano Pillars now face a critical period of rebuilding to restore their former glory.

Rangers International FC: From Champions to Mid-Table Disappointment

Defending champions Rangers International FC experienced a dramatic fall from grace in the 2024/2025 NPFL season, finishing a disappointing 10th despite lofty expectations. Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu’s dual role as assistant to the Super Eagles appeared to distract from the club’s domestic focus, contributing to inconsistent performances. General Manager Amobi Ezeaku publicly took responsibility for the poor season, vowing reforms ahead of the next campaign.

While the club exited the President Federation Cup at the semi-final stage, bright spots included Isaac Saviour’s 9-goal haul and national team call-ups for three key players. Backed by the Enugu State Government and an array of sponsors, including Afrinvest and Nortra Tractors, Rangers now aim to rebuild with renewed focus and a reinforced squad.

Bayelsa United FC: From Relegation Threat to Remarkable Resurgence

Bayelsa United FC’s 2024/2025 NPFL campaign unfolded as a compelling tale of survival and revival. Once languishing near the bottom of the table with just 10 points from 10 games and facing the threat of relegation, the club received a two-game ultimatum from the Bayelsa State Government to reverse its fortunes or risk sweeping dismissals.

 Under intense pressure, head coach Ladan Bosso orchestrated an extraordinary turnaround, leading the Prosperity Boys to safety with a string of impressive performances, including a six-match unbeaten run. Forward Rabiu Abdullahi played a key role, netting 10 crucial goals. By season’s end, Bayelsa United finished comfortably above the drop zone, securing 46 points and defying early-season predictions. A two-year sponsorship deal with oil and gas firm Halkin also proved instrumental in stabilizing the club financially, capping off a season that transformed despair into triumph.

Nasarawa United and Niger Tornadoes: Two Tales of NPFL Survival

Nasarawa United’s 2024/25 NPFL campaign was a dramatic turnaround driven by strategic leadership changes and strong government support. After a poor start under Kabiru Dogo, who was eventually sacked, the club appointed experienced coach Salisu Yusuf, whose arrival stabilized the team. Backed by financial incentives from the state government, the Solid Miners climbed from 18th to a safe 12th-place finish, thanks largely to the prolific form of captain Anas Yusuf, who scored 18 goals.

 In contrast, Niger Tornadoes endured a nomadic season due to the repeated banning of their home ground in Minna, forcing them to play in multiple venues. Despite the instability, the Ikon Allah Boys avoided relegation, finishing 13th, with standout performances from players like Papa Daniel and Joshua Enaholo helping them stay afloat.

Kwara United FC: A Tale of a Struggling Clubside

Kwara United endured a difficult 2024/25 NPFL season, marked by inconsistency and unfulfilled expectations despite a major squad overhaul that saw 22 players released and 23 recruited. Struggling both home and away, the Harmony Boys fell to disappointing defeats—including a painful home loss to Akwa United—and finished 14th with 50 points from 38 matches.

Management repeatedly voiced dissatisfaction, issuing stern warnings to the technical crew led by Tunde Sani, who replaced Kabiru Dogo. Despite reinforcing the squad mid-season and showing promise in preseason tournaments, performance remained below par. However, the club secured notable sponsorship deals, including one with 22Bet, alongside partnerships with GTI Investment, Propel Sports Africa, and MTN. Though the team reached the 2025 President Federation Cup final, the league campaign exposed their pressing need for tactical and technical improvement.

Katsina United FC: A Season Undone by Poor Management

Katsina United FC’s 2024/25 NPFL campaign was marred by instability and mismanagement, leading to a dismal season characterized by administrative chaos, political interference, and technical inconsistency. The Changi Boys experienced two major managerial overhauls during the season, each bringing in their preferred technical crew, creating internal rifts and a lack of continuity. The situation worsened with off-field issues, including financial disputes, illegal contract terminations, and a temporary ban from registering new players over unpaid debts to a former player.

A humiliating 6-0 loss to Ikorodu City FC prompted the Katsina State government to sack the club’s leadership, further emphasizing the dysfunction. The team, plagued by inconsistency and legal controversies, narrowly avoided relegation, finishing 15th with 50 points from 38 matches. Despite state government funding, Katsina United's season was a sobering reminder that without structural reform and professionalism, ambition alone cannot secure top-flight stability.

El-Kanemi Warriors FC: A Team Bogged Down by Its Own Success

El-Kanemi Warriors FC entered the 2024/2025 NPFL season on a high, riding the momentum of their 2024 President Federation Cup triumph and gearing up for continental competition. With new signings like Lucky Vandi, Jerry Isaac, Chris Conti, and Mohammed Banguora, the Desert Warriors appeared poised for a strong campaign.

However, the weight of success quickly turned burdensome. The club was hit with a transfer ban due to unresolved debts to former players, forcing a compliance payout by November 2024 to lift the ban. Compounding their troubles was the dual role of coach Aliyu Zubairu, who was also appointed as head coach of Nigeria’s U-20 national team. His absence and eventual resignation destabilized the squad, leading to a dip in form and their early exit from the CAF Confederation Cup. Despite their bright start, El-Kanemi found themselves battling relegation.

In the end, they narrowly avoided the drop, finishing 16th with 49 points from 12 wins, 13 draws, and 13 losses—just one point above relegated Heartland FC. The season served as a cautionary tale of how off-field issues and stretched leadership can undermine even the most promising teams.

Heartland FC’s Season of Chaos Ends in Relegation

Heartland FC’s 2024/2025 NPFL campaign was riddled with turmoil, marked by political interference, technical crew instability, and poor performance. The season began with the controversial dismissal and later reinstatement of coach Christian Obi by Imo State officials, creating confusion and damaging team morale.

Despite briefly improving under Kennedy Boboye, management instability persisted, prompting the hiring of former Nigeria international Emmanuel Amuneke. Although Heartland acquired a league slot from Beyond Limits, they struggled on the pitch, scoring just twice in their last four games and failing to escape relegation. Financial troubles, lack of sponsorship, and administrative missteps compounded their woes, forcing the club to issue a public apology to the Imo State government after finishing 19th in the league.

Akwa United’s Fall from Glory: A Season to Forget

Akwa United FC, once crowned NPFL champions in 2021, endured a disastrous 2024/2025 season plagued by instability and poor performances. The club cycled through four coaches, starting with Fatai Osho and later Muhammed Babaganaru, both of whom exited amid internal issues and mounting losses. Fan outrage peaked after a home draw left the team deep in relegation trouble, prompting Babaganaru’s resignation.

In a bid to rescue the season, management turned to former title-winning coach Kennedy Boboye, but he inherited a squad languishing in 19th place with only five wins in 19 games. The Promise Keepers’ campaign stands as a cautionary tale of managerial chaos and a rapid descent from league champions to relegation battlers.

Sunshine Stars’ Collapse: Internal Crisis and Mismanagement Lead to Relegation

Sunshine Stars FC endured a season of turmoil and eventual relegation from the NPFL, marred by internal crises, mismanagement, and leadership infighting. Critics, including the Ondo State Stakeholders Coalition for Sports Advancement, blamed the club’s downfall on political vendettas and the neglect of vital structural issues raised by former ODSFA Chairman Akin Akinbobola.

Despite late-season efforts by coach Abubakar Bala and a brief resurgence, Sunshine Stars finished 19th with 41 points and a -17 goal difference, compounded by the closure of their home stadium and reliance on temporary venues. Their demotion to the Nigeria National League highlights the consequences of poor governance and fractured leadership.

Lobi Stars’ Fall from Glory: 27-Year NPFL Run Ends in Chaos and Relegation

Lobi Stars FC, once a dominant force in Nigerian football, suffered a shocking relegation in the 2024/2025 NPFL season, ending a 27-year top-flight run. Plagued by poor leadership, match-fixing allegations, unstable home venues, coaching instability, and internal unrest, the club posted the league's worst record with only 6 wins and 27 points.

A season marked by 17 winless games, off-field controversies, and systemic mismanagement exposed deep-rooted issues, signaling a dramatic fall for a club once crowned league champions in their debut season.