As the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) enters its decisive final lap, with the relegation battle wide open, an official of Warri Wolves FC has urged the league body to focus attention on what he tagged 'danger zones' in the remaining games.
Thirteen clubs remain mathematically in danger, including two giants of Nigerian football, Enyimba, the country's most successful club with two CAF Champions League titles, and NPFL defending champions, Remo Stars.
NPFL's round of 37 matches will hold on May 10 and round of 38 on May 24 to determine who stays up and who drops, with just six points separating 11th-placed Enyimba (46 points) from bottom side Bayelsa United (40 points).
Kano Pillars, who are also in the relegation zone, will host Warri Wolves FC in one of the clashes tagged 'battle for survival.' Warri Wolves, at the weekend, defeated Plateau United 1-0 in Ozoro to move up on the log, and they are hoping to swim out of the danger zone if they beat Kano Pillars away on May 10.
Chairman of Delta Sports Commission, Onoriode Oborevwori, said yesterday that such encounter in Kano should be top on NPFL's watch list. "To me, the NPFL should focus on all the danger zones, including the clash between Kano Pillars and Warri Wolves to avoid intimidation and others. If possible, there should be a live broadcast or live streaming of the match. It will be an interesting match for Nigerians to watch. The best club should win," Oborevwori said.
Warri Wolves will host Abia Warriors in their last league match on May 24.
In other matches on May 10, Enyimba, who have been Nigeria's flagbearers on the continent, face a tricky away tie against Kwara United before hosting El Kanemi in their final fixture. With their pedigree, the Aba club will be expected to grind out results, but anything less than four points could drag them into the drop zone.
Remo Stars, meanwhile, face a nightmare scenario. The defending champions host Bayelsa United in a relegation six-pointer before traveling to Benin City to face Bendel Insurance on the last day. Victory against Bayelsa is crucial; defeat could leave them staring at relegation just a year after lifting the NPFL crown.
Wikki Tourists host Rivers United, and Kun Khalifa take on Abia Warriors in Round 37, all matches with survival implications. With so many teams clustered between 40 and 47 points, the margins are razor-thin.
