Who Will Win the Title, Continental Spots and Relegation?

The 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season is here, and with the opening fixtures already underway, the big question is who will finish where when the campaign ends.

Last season produced a thrilling title race, with Rangers International eventually lifting the trophy ahead of Rivers United and Shooting Stars. This season, however, I expect the battle at the top to be even tighter.

For me, Rivers United, Kano Pillars and Rangers International are the three teams most likely to challenge for the title, while Shooting Stars could also push the leading sides.

Here is how I see the season playing out.

1. Rivers United — Champions

I am tipping Rivers United to win the 2026/27 NPFL title, although I don’t expect it to be an easy campaign.

The Port Harcourt club came agonisingly close last season, finishing just one point behind champions Rangers. That experience could prove valuable this time around.

Finidi George has retained the core of his squad and the club has added more quality and depth during the transfer window. With a settled technical structure and a squad capable of competing over 38 matches, Rivers United have what it takes to go one step further.

Prediction: 1st — Champions

2. Kano Pillars — Runners-up

Kano Pillars are my surprise pick for second place.

The arrival of Daniel ‘Ijaball’ Ogunmodede, formerly of Remo Stars, has raised expectations around the club. Pillars endured a disappointing 15th-place finish last season, but I expect a completely different side this time.

Ogunmodede is a coach who understands the Nigerian league and has the tactical ability to get the best out of his players. With the backing of their supporters and the quality available in the squad, Pillars could become genuine title contenders.

I don’t think they will win the title, but I expect them to finish much higher than last season.

Prediction: 2nd — CAF Champions League spot

3. Rangers International — Third place

Defending champions Rangers will remain in the title conversation, but I expect them to struggle to retain the trophy.

The biggest concern for me is their home situation. With the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu undergoing renovation, Rangers will play their home matches at the MKO Sports Arena in Abeokuta.

Home advantage can be extremely important in the NPFL, and constantly playing away from Enugu could make the difference in a tight title race.

There is also the additional pressure of CAF Champions League football. Rangers have a strong squad and an experienced coach in Fidelis Ilechukwu, but balancing continental and domestic football will be a major test.

I still expect them to finish among the top three and secure continental football.

Prediction: 3rd — CAF Confederation Cup spot

4. Shooting Stars — Fourth place

Shooting Stars are probably the team I found hardest to predict.

The Oluyole Warriors finished third last season and have a talented squad, but the decision to change coaches just weeks before the new campaign is a major factor in my prediction.

Salisu Yusuf is an experienced coach and should eventually get the team playing the way he wants, but he needs time to properly build his system and understand his squad.

With domestic and continental football on the agenda, the demands will be even greater.

I believe Shooting Stars will still have a good season, but I don’t see them finishing in the top three.

Prediction: 4th

5. Plateau United — Sixth place

Plateau United could be one of the teams to quietly surprise people this season.

The appointment of Gbenga Ogunbote gives them an experienced coach who knows the NPFL very well. He now has the opportunity to shape the team from the beginning of a full season.

I expect Plateau United to be competitive and finish comfortably in the top half.

Prediction: 6th

The Relegation Battle

At the other end of the table, I expect the fight for survival to be just as interesting.

Inter Lagos face a difficult first season in the NPFL. They have plenty to learn about life in the top flight, and I am predicting them to struggle throughout the campaign.

Kun Khalifat survived relegation by the narrowest of margins last season, and I fear they could find themselves in trouble again. This time, however, I think they could go down.

Niger Tornadoes are another side I expect to be involved in the relegation battle, particularly with questions surrounding their home ground and the disruption caused by its renovation.

Katsina United and Doma United could also find themselves looking over their shoulders, while newly promoted sides will have to adapt quickly to the demands of top-flight football.

My 2026/27 NPFL Predictions

Champions: Rivers United

Runners-up: Kano Pillars

Third: Rangers International

CAF Confederation Cup: Rangers International

Fourth: Shooting Stars

Sixth: Plateau United

Relegation candidates: Inter Lagos, Kun Khalifat and Niger Tornadoes

The NPFL is rarely predictable, and that is exactly what makes it exciting. Rivers United may be my favourites, but Rangers, Kano Pillars and Shooting Stars all have enough quality to prove me wrong.

One thing is certain: it could be another very close title race.