Owumi hails clubs, players , fans as NPFL title race goes to the wire
The Nigeria Premier Football League’s Chief Operating Officer, Prince Davidson Owumi, has assured clubs and fans that sporting fairness and strict adherence to the rules have guided all administrative decisions
The Nigeria Premier Football League's Chief Operating Officer, Prince Davidson Owumi, has assured clubs and fans that sporting fairness and strict adherence to the rules have guided all administrative decisions this season, with the same principle to be maintained through the remaining three matchdays.
Owumi gave the assurance while welcoming clubs back from the Federation Cup window, which allowed several sides to participate in their respective state elimination finals.
"We welcome our teams back to what is fast turning into one of the most keenly contested leagues globally, with a healthy competitive balance from top to bottom," he said.
He commended the clubs for their cooperation in ensuring fixtures have been held as scheduled, and praised the NPFL Board for providing effective leadership in support of the Secretariat.
"The NPFL Board, clubs and the Secretariat have all contributed immensely to the unique season unfolding before us. It is expected that all will work in harmony to see the season cross the finishing line," Owumi said.
He urged all stakeholders — club administrators, players, the media and fans — to familiarise themselves with the NPFL Frameworks and Rules, noting that this would help them better understand summary jurisdiction decisions.
"For clarity and well-informed opinions on issues, it is important for our clubs, members of the press and the public to have copies of the rules and regulations as passed by the clubs and approved by the NFF. This can be downloaded from the NPFL website," he added.
Pointing to the league standings to illustrate just how competitive the season has been, Owumi noted that with three games remaining for each club, both the title and the relegation places remain wide open.
After Matchday 35, Rangers International lead the table on 59 points, a single point ahead of Rivers United. Rangers also hold a superior goals difference of plus-15 compared to Rivers United's plus-six.
Ikorodu City and Abia Warriors are both on 55 points but the Lagos side holds the edge with a plus-six goals difference against Abia Warriors' plus-three.
At the other end of the table, six clubs face the prospect of dropping out of the elite division. Occupying 15th to 20th place, the six are split into two clusters — three points separating the sides in 15th , 16th and 17th from those in 18th , 19th and 20th — with goals differences ranging from minus-three to minus-seven across the group.
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Kwara United, defending champions Remo Stars and Warri Wolves are all level on 43 points, separated only by goals difference of minus-three, minus-five and minus-six respectively. Kun Khalifat and Bayelsa United are both on 40 points with a minus-six goals difference, while Wikki Tourists prop up the table on 40 points with the worst goals difference of minus-seven.
A total of 263 players have contributed to the 687 goals scored across 350 matches this season — a statistic that analyst Charles Dibiani said reflects collective rather than selfish play, with players consistently supporting teammates in scoring positions.
In the golden boot race, Joseph Arumala of Ikorodu City and Uche Collins of Katsina United are level on 12 goals. They are pursued by Godwin Obaje of Rangers International, Emeka Obioma of Abia Warriors and Victor Mbaoma of Remo Stars, all on 11 goals.
