2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 26 Preview: Remo Stars battle for survival as Abia Warriors eye continental push

Posted : 14 February 2026

A crucial Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 26 encounter awaits as Remo Stars F.C. lock horns with high-flying Abia Warriors F.C. at the Akure Township Stadium on Sunday.

For Remo Stars, this fixture carries far more than three points. The defending champions, who only recently celebrated league glory, now find themselves in unfamiliar and uncomfortable territory — 19th on the table with 26 points after 25 matches. A five-game winless streak has deepened their relegation fears, and a stadium ban handed down by the NPFL has forced them to adopt Akure as a temporary home.

The Ikenne side’s struggles have been reflected in their numbers, averaging just 0.88 goals scored per game while conceding 1.24 — statistics that underline their defensive vulnerability.

In contrast, Abia Warriors arrive with continental ambitions firmly in sight. Sitting 5th with 39 points, the Umuahia-based club remains in contention for a top-three finish despite enduring a four-game winless run. Their most recent outing — a tense goalless Oriental derby against Rangers International F.C. at the Enyimba International Stadium — showed defensive solidity but highlighted the need for sharper finishing.

The reverse fixture offers encouragement for the visitors. Abia Warriors secured a convincing 2–0 victory over Remo Stars in Umuahia earlier in the season, and they will be eager to complete a league double.

Statistically, the Warriors boast a slightly tighter defensive record, conceding an average of 0.68 goals per match while scoring 0.8 — modest but efficient enough to keep them in the upper half of the table.

Head-to-Head (Last Five Meetings)

02/10/25 – AWFC 2–0 RSFC

29/01/25 – RSFC 3–2 AWFC

08/09/24 – AWFC 0–2 RSFC

18/02/24 – AWFC 0–0 RSFC

21/01/24 – RSFC 2–1 AWFC

Injury Update

Out: Augustine Njoku, Wilson Elu, Ayodele Ezekiel, Imo Obot, Paul Samson

Back in Squad: Yakub Hammed, Innocent Godwin, Israel Joseph

With pride, survival, and continental aspirations all on the line, Sunday’s clash promises tension and tactical intrigue. For Remo Stars, it is a fight to avoid sinking deeper into the relegation waters. For Abia Warriors, it is another opportunity to strengthen their push toward Africa.

Match Details:
Venue: Akure Township Stadium, Akure
Date: Sunday, 15 February 2026
Kick-off: 16:00 (local time)

All eyes now turn to Akure for what could be a defining moment in the 2025/2026 NPFL campaign.

2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 26 Preview: Remo Stars battle for survival as Abia Warriors eye continental push

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics