Nigeria league title race now heads to the wire

The race for the next Nigeria league champions looks set to go all the way to the wire after leaders, Enyimba, slipped at regional rivals at Heartland over the weekend, with Warri Wolves and Wikki still within striking distance of the top prize.

Six-time champions, Enyimba, remain on top the 20-team table with 58 points from 32 matches, Wolves are second with 55 points, while Wikki Tourists and Sunshine Stars are third and fourth with 54 and 53 points respectively.

Wolves and Wikki are the biggest threats to Enyimba’s ambition to win a seventh crown as they are getting results on the road.

Though, the Aba landlords are still in pole position to be champions again, the championship could well be decided on the final day of the season.

The Aba club have already won the championship six times – 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2010 – and look good to clinch their seventh title this season, while Wolves and Wilki are seeking their first-ever Nigeria Premier League title, same as Sunshine Stars, who blew their chances to hold on to the top with a poor run of results at home when it mattered most.

Wikki have the trio of Victor Yakubu, Mubarak Umar and Uche Martins to rely on with experienced goalkeeper, Paul Godwin, as well as the hard working Coach Abdul Maikaba.

Enyimba have quality on the bench, with Coach Kadiri Ikhana back at the helm and also a squad who boost the likes of Kingsley Sokari, Andrew Abalogu, Chinedu Udoji and Femi Thomas.

But their remaining fixtures include a tricky road trip to Sunshine Stars on the final day of the campaign as well as a home game against closest rivals, Warri Wolves.

Wolves, on the other hand, have proved to be consistent title contenders with players like 13-goal Gbolahan Salami, Ikechukwu Ibenegbu and Ichul Lordson for them to count on.

At the other end of the table, bottom team, Bayelsa United, with 30 points and FC Taraba, also on 30 points, are doomed for relegation.

Both clubs barely escaped the dreaded drop last term.

Two other clubs will join them in the Nigeria National League.

Kwara United, Dolphins, Sharks, Akwa United and Lobi Stars are still hovering around the drop zone for anyone to certify them safe.

The next few weeks will thus be a battle for survival by these clubs.