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A look at the top teams in the NPFL at the end of 2024, featuring Super Eagles coaches and Finidi George.
As the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, progresses into 2025, the race for the title and survival has intensified, showing some of the country's top football talents and coaches led by those with Super Eagles links.
At the end of 2024, five teams emerged as the frontrunners in this highly competitive league, with former Super Eagles boss Finidi George in the mix.
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19:24 - 18.12.2024
'I don’t look at the table' - Finidi George 'borrows' Nicolas Jackson lines regarding NPFL title race
Finidi insists he is not getting carried away by the title race, as his team lead the league by two points after 17 matches.
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11:01 - 28.12.2024
'We must break Ghana's curse' - Super Eagles coach vow to defeat Black Galaxies
Ghana has denied Nigeria several times in different qualifications, but Ogunmodede has declared that his side will break the jinx on Saturday.
This Pulse Sports Nigeria article examines the current standings, highlighting the top five teams in the league heading into the second half of the season.
Top Five Teams in the NPFL
Remo Stars
Currently leading the table, Remo Stars have made a remarkable start to their season under the guidance of coach Daniel Ogunmodede, who only recently destroyed Ghana and ended their CHAN hegemony over Nigeria.
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With 23 points from 19 matches, they have secured 11 wins, three draws, and five losses.
Their offensive ability is also evident, having scored the second-highest number of goals [23] while conceding only 12.
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This season is looking like a decisive opportunity for Remo Stars and Ogunmodede as they chase their first-ever NPFL title.
Rivers United
Finidi George's Rivers United sit in second place with a total of 34 points at the start of the year.
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The team has recorded nine wins, seven draws, and three losses, demonstrating strong defensive capabilities with just 11 goals conceded.
Despite a promising start, they faced challenges in recent matches that have kept them from overtaking Remo Stars.
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Shooting Stars
Managed by the Oracle, Gbenga Ogunbote, Shooting Stars are currently third in the standings.
They have turned their season around after a slow start and now boast ten wins, three draws, and six losses.
Their goal tally stands at 18 scored and 13 conceded, positioning the Oluyole Warriors as serious contenders for the title.
Enugu Rangers
The defending champions, Enugu Rangers, led by Fidelis Ilechukwu, occupy fourth place with eight wins and seven draws this season.
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They have scored 18 goals while conceding 11, displaying their ability to compete at a high level despite facing tough competition.
Ilechukwu’s Flying Antelopes have not looked like champions so far this season but will go into the new year hoping for a turnaround.
El-Kanemi Warriors
Rounding out the top five are FA Cup holders El-Kanemi Warriors, who have achieved seven wins and eight draws thus far.
They have scored a total of 19 goals, making them a formidable opponent in this season's league.
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But the biggest question for the Cup winners is if they can make that final push for a continental spot.
Conclusion - The Storylines
As 2025 gets underway, the race for the NPFL title remains wide open with these five teams showing exceptional skill and determination.
With coaches like Finidi George and Daniel Ogunmodede at the helm, fans can expect thrilling matches ahead as each team vies for supremacy in Nigerian football.
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Will Remo Stars maintain their lead and secure their first title? Or will Rivers United rise to reclaim their position?
The second half of the season promises to deliver excitement as the season unfolds.
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