The Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 35 schedule is set to be decisive in both the title race and relegation battle, with the Oriental derby between Rangers International and Enyimba standing out as the key fixture.
Rangers sit second on the table with 56 points and remain firmly in the title hunt. A home win in Enugu could send the Flying Antelopes back to the top. Enyimba are 13th on 43 points, just three above the relegation zone, and badly need points to avoid being dragged deeper into trouble after a mixed season despite their recent 3–0 win over Katsina United.
League leaders Rivers United face a tricky away test against Kano Pillars in a game that matters at both ends of the table. Rivers United are top with 58 points and must win to keep Rangers at bay, while 15th placed Kano Pillars on 42 points are desperate for a result to ease relegation fears.
In Jos, Wikki Tourists will try to build on their shock away victory over Bayelsa United in Yenagoa when they host Bendel Insurance. A win would lift Wikki to 43 points and strengthen their survival hopes. Bendel Insurance sit seventh with 49 points and are still in the race for continental qualification but will again be without head coach Kennedy Boboye, who is serving a 17 match suspension.
Plateau United return to their Jos home ground after playing two matches in Lafia because of security concerns. The Peace Boys, eighth with 46 points, host Kun Khalifat as they look to respond to a 1–0 defeat against Rivers United. Kun Khalifat also need points to move away from the danger zone.
Nasarawa United welcome Warri Wolves to the Lafia City Stadium aiming to end a run of painful late goal defeats. The Solid Miners are sixth with 50 points and still chasing a top four finish. Warri Wolves, 14th with 43 points, know that a loss could pull them closer to the relegation places.
Katsina United, 10th with 46 points, host Bayelsa United at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium. Despite their mid table position, the Chanji Boys are only six points above the drop zone and need a strong response after their heavy defeat to Enyimba. Bayelsa United travel north under pressure after slipping into the relegation zone following their home loss to Wikki.
El Kanemi Warriors take on Shooting Stars in Maiduguri in another important clash. El Kanemi are targeting back to back home wins after edging Nasarawa United 1–0 on Monday. Fifth placed Shooting Stars on 51 points cannot afford further slip ups if they want to secure a continental ticket.
In Aba, Abia Warriors host Ikorodu City in a direct battle for third place. Abia Warriors are fourth with 52 points and can overtake third placed Ikorodu City, who have 55 points, with a convincing home victory.
Defending champions Remo Stars continue their fight for survival with a home game against Niger Tornadoes. Remo Stars are 19th on 40 points and urgently need three points to keep alive their hopes of staying up. Niger Tornadoes, 12th with 43 points, are not yet completely safe and will also be keen to avoid being dragged into the relegation scrap.
Kwara United round off the fixtures as they host Barau FC. The Harmony Boys sit 16th with 40 points and want to build on a draw in Enugu and a comeback win over Remo Stars to push further clear of danger.
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