Comparison Between NPFL 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 Midseason (Matchday 19)
The tables from both seasons highlight changes in team performances, standings, and competition dynamics. Here’s a detailed comparison of the two NPFL seasons at the halfway mark:
Top Four Comparison
2023/2024 Season
1. Lobi Stars (36 points)
2. Remo Stars (35 points)
3. Enyimba (32 points)
4. Doma United (32 points)
2024/2025 Season
1. Remo Stars (36 points)
2. Rivers United (34 points)
3. Shooting Stars (32 points)
4. Rangers International (31 points)
• Consistency: Remo Stars maintained their top form, achieving the same 36 points across both seasons.
• Changes: Lobi Stars, who led last season, are now struggling in 18th place. Rivers United and Shooting Stars have replaced Enyimba and Doma United in the top four.
• Tighter Competition: The gap between first and fourth this season (5 points) is narrower than last season (4 points), showing a more competitive top of the table.
Mid-Table Dynamics (5th–10th)
2023/2024 Season
5. Kano Pillars (32 points)
6. Plateau United (31 points)
7. Bendel Insurance (30 points)
8. Katsina United (27 points)
9. Abia Warriors (27 points)
10. Rangers International (25 points)
2024/2025 Season
5. El-Kanemi Warriors (29 points)
6. Ikorodu City (28 points)
7. Abia Warriors (27 points)
8. Kano Pillars (25 points)
9. Enyimba (24 points)
10. Niger Tornadoes (24 points)
• Decline in Points: Mid-table teams scored fewer points in 2024/2025 compared to the previous season. For instance, 5th-placed El-Kanemi Warriors have 29 points this season, compared to Kano Pillars’ 32 points last season.
• Surprises: Newly promoted sides like Ikorodu City and El-Kanemi Warriors have impressed, climbing into mid-table positions.
Relegation Zone (17th–20th)
2023/2024 Season
17. Sporting Lagos (18 points)
18. Bayelsa United (18 points)
19. Gombe United (18 points)
20. Heartland FC (16 points)
2024/2025 Season
17. Plateau United (20 points)
18. Lobi Stars (20 points)
19. Akwa United (19 points)
20. Nasarawa United (19 points)
• Improved Fight for Survival: Teams in the relegation zone this season have higher points totals, with the last-placed Nasarawa United having 19 points compared to Heartland’s 16 points last season.
• Former Giants Struggling: Plateau United, Lobi Stars, and Akwa United, once powerhouses in the NPFL, find themselves in the relegation zone.
Key Observations
1. Static Points at the Top: The points tally for the league leaders (36) remains unchanged across both seasons.
2. More Balanced Competition: The spread of points in the top four and relegation zone suggests tighter competition this season.
3. Decline of Traditional Powers: Teams like Lobi Stars, Plateau United, and Akwa United, who were mid-table or higher last season, are struggling this term.
4. Emerging Teams: Newer teams like Ikorodu City and El-Kanemi Warriors have performed admirably, shaking up the standings.
As the NPFL resumes for the second half of the 2024/2025 season, the league promises thrilling battles at both ends of the table, with surprises likely to continue.