NPFL title race 2026/27: four clubs level on 18 points
If you like a close title race, the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League is for you. After Matchday 11 (30 October to 1 November 2026), four clubs shared the top of the NPFL table on 18 points, and the pack behind them was tightly bunched. Here is where things stood, and how to turn the title race into a season-long prediction league with your friends.
The top of the NPFL table after Matchday 11
Rivers United: 18 points from 11 matches (goal difference +10)
Rangers International: 18 points from 9 matches
Bendel Insurance: 18 points from 10 matches
Kano Pillars: 18 points from 11 matches
Nasarawa United: 17 points from 11 matches
Plateau United, Barau, Niger Tornadoes and Katsina United followed on 16 points. Sources: premiumtimesng.com and nigfooty.com, 2 November 2026. The table moves every week: follow the live NPFL table in Sportspoule.
The contenders
Rivers United. The Port Harcourt side won their first title in 2021/22 and missed out by a single point last season, finishing on 67 points behind Rangers. After Matchday 11 they had lost only one of their 11 matches.
Rangers International. The champions won their ninth title in 2025/26, equalling Enyimba's record. With only 9 matches played after Matchday 11, Rangers had games in hand on the clubs around them.
Bendel Insurance. The Benin City club, champions in 1973 and 1979, had the most wins of the top four (6) after Matchday 11, and a game in hand.
Kano Pillars. Four-time champions (2008, 2012, 2013 and 2014), Pillars had lost only one of their 11 matches after a 2-0 win over Nasarawa United.
A league with no runaway leader
Only a few points separate the top eight, and nine-time champions Enyimba are in the bottom half. For prediction leagues that is good news: when results are hard to call, the 5 points for an exact score become decisive.
Key dates coming up
According to the official NPFL fixture list:
Matchday 12: 6 to 8 November 2026
Matchday 13: 13 to 15 November 2026
Matchday 14: 20 to 22 November 2026, including Rangers v Shooting Stars on 22 November (4:00pm WAT)
Most NPFL fixtures are listed at 4:00pm WAT. Always check the app for the latest NPFL fixtures and times.
Predict the title race with friends
Who will be top at the end of the season? Start a free NPFL prediction league and predict every match:
5 points for the exact score
2 points for the correct result
0 points otherwise
The score after 90 minutes including stoppage time counts, and predictions close 1 second before kickoff. It is free for up to 15 players on iOS, Android and the web. Bigger group? Use Sportspoule Business from 16 players.
FAQ
Who was top of the NPFL table after Matchday 11?
Rivers United, on goal difference, with four clubs on 18 points.
Who won the NPFL last season?
Rangers International, with 68 points, one ahead of Rivers United.
Who has won the most NPFL titles?
Enyimba and Rangers International, with nine each.
Can I join a league mid-season?
Yes. You can predict every remaining match until 1 second before kickoff.
