Top of the Table: Consistency at the Summit

 

The first half of the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) has concluded, with teams heading into the mid-season break looking to improve their standings. A comparison between Matchday 19 of the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 seasons reveals some intriguing patterns.

 

In 2023/2024, the top four teams were Lobi Stars (36 points), Remo Stars (35 points), Enyimba (32 points), and Doma United (32 points).

 

This season, the top four includes Remo Stars (36 points), Rivers United (34 points), Shooting Stars (32 points), and Rangers International (31 points). While the points tally for the first position remains the same, there has been a slight drop in points from second to fourth position compared to last season.

 

Mid-Table: Shifts in Form

 

Positions 5 to 9 last season were occupied by Kano Pillars (32 points), Plateau United (31 points), Bendel Insurance (30 points), and Katsina United (27 points).

 

This season, Elkanemi Warriors (29 points), Ikorodu City (28 points), Abia Warriors (27 points), and Kano Pillars (25 points) are in similar positions. The current campaign has seen tighter competition in the mid-table, with lower points tallies compared to last season.

 

Relegation Battle: Improvement at the Bottom

 

In 2023/2024, the bottom four teams by Matchday 19 were Sporting Lagos (18 points), Bayelsa United (18 points), Gombe United (18 points), and Heartland (16 points).

 

This season, the bottom four comprises Plateau United (20 points), Lobi Stars (20 points), Akwa United (19 points), and Nasarawa United (19 points). Notably, teams at the bottom have collectively gained two more points this season compared to last, indicating a slightly stronger fight for survival.

 

Key Observations

 

1. Consistency at the Top: The top spot has remained static in points (36) across both seasons.

2. Drop in the Chase: A decline in points from second to fourth place this season suggests a tighter race.

3. Mid-Table Struggles: Teams in mid-table positions have shown reduced points tallies this season, hinting at increased competition across the league.

4. Improvement at the Bottom: The relegation battle has become fiercer, with bottom teams earning slightly more points this term.

 

As the league resumes in the new year, the second stanza promises to bring more drama and competition as teams strive to achieve their season goals.