The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) enters a pivotal weekend as Matchday 24 unfolds across Saturday, 31 January, and Sunday, 1 February 2026. With teams fighting for continental qualification spots, mid‑table positioning, and survival from relegation battles, this weekend’s fixtures feature several high‑stakes games that could shape the remainder of the season.
According to the official NPFL fixtures list, nine matches are scheduled across the weekend — eight on Sunday and key buildup fixtures spanning Saturday (with some games played early) — bringing intense competition across the league table.
This article provides a detailed fixture preview, crafted to help fans, analysts, and bettors understand every angle of the weekend’s NPFL action — from tactics and player form to predictions and betting insights.
NPFL Weekend Fixtures — Overview
Saturday, 31 January 2026
While most of the action is slated for Sunday, a few NPFL fixtures may occur on Saturday dependent on local scheduling and rescheduling requests.
(Note: NPFL fixture lists sometimes show Thursday games around this date — e.g., Barau vs Ikorodu City list Tuesday — and clubs like Bendel Insurance are engaged in midweek fixtures as part of the Matchday 24 slate. )
Sunday, 1 February 2026 — NPFL Matchday 24 Fixtures
All times listed are local kick‑off times (typically around 10:00 AM WAT unless rescheduled):
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Barau vs Ikorodu City
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El Kanemi Warriors vs Kun Khalifat
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Enyimba vs Bayelsa United
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Kwara United vs Warri Wolves
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Niger Tornadoes vs Bendel Insurance
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Enugu Rangers vs Kano Pillars
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Remo Stars vs Plateau United
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Wikki Tourist vs Nasarawa United
These fixtures cover a broad competitive spectrum — from top‑of‑the‑table clashes to relegation six‑pointers, and each has significance for the championship outcome.
League Context — Where Teams Stand
Before diving into individual match previews, it’s important to understand the general landscape of the NPFL this season.
According to current league tables and predictive models:
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Rivers United, Nasarawa United, Abia Warriors, and Enugu Rangers have been among the most consistent sides this season, competing for the top positions and continental qualification spots.
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Clubs like Ikorodu City, Shooting Stars, and Kano Pillars have fluctuated, trying to maintain competitive form in the mid‑table.
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Barau, Kwara United, and Bendel Insurance have struggled at various points, with key matches this weekend crucial for turning their seasons around.
Understanding this context helps make sense of the stakes inherent in each weekend fixture.
Match‑by‑Match Previews and Predictions
Below is a detailed breakdown of each NPFL fixture for the weekend, including tactical insights, key players to watch, form analysis, and prediction.
1. Barau vs Ikorodu City
Overview:
This fixture pits Barau, seeking to escape the relegation zone, against Ikorodu City, a club currently solidly placed but aiming to consolidate mid‑table position.
Tactical Focus:
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Barau need goals and confidence; they must attack with intent while maintaining defensive balance.
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Ikorodu City often shows resilience in possession and uses quick transitions effectively.
Key Players:
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Barau’s forward threats and midfield distribution may be decisive.
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Ikorodu City’s playmakers and wing support will look to exploit spaces.
Prediction:
Ikorodu City 1–1 Barau
A tightly contested game with both teams likely to earn points.
Betting Tip: Under 2.5 goals; both teams to score.
2. El Kanemi Warriors vs Kun Khalifat
Overview:
El Kanemi Warriors, a historic club with strong local support, face Kun Khalifat, an emerging side aiming to push up the table.
Tactical Insight:
Warriors are known for disciplined structure and physical play at home, while Kun Khalifat may focus on quick transitions and opportunistic attacking.
Key Players:
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Warriors’ defensive coordination and set‑piece routines.
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Kun Khalifat’s pace and counter‑attacking ability.
Prediction:
El Kanemi Warriors 2–1 Kun Khalifat
Warriors’ home advantage could prove the edge.
Betting Tip: Home win; consider both teams to score.
3. Enyimba vs Bayelsa United
Overview:
A compelling fixture between Enyimba, one of Nigeria’s most decorated clubs, and Bayelsa United, a team improving in recent weeks.
Team Form:
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Enyimba have shown resilience and tactical balance, often grinding results out against tough opposition.
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Bayelsa United’s recent matches suggest a solid defensive shape and effective counter‑attacking play.
Key Players:
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Enyimba’s midfield control and creative outlets.
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Bayelsa’s attacking sets and transitions.
Prediction:
Enyimba 1–1 Bayelsa United
Expect a tactical stalemate with limited goals but strong effort from both sides.
Betting Tip: Draw; under 3.0 goals.
4. Kwara United vs Warri Wolves
Overview:
This match sees Kwara United, struggling for scoring form, take on Warri Wolves, who have shown flashes of unpredictability.
Tactical Insight:
Kwara United’s main challenge is finishing and creating high‑quality chances, while Warri Wolves rely on pace and direct play.
Key Stats:
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Kwara United have found the net infrequently in recent matches.
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Warri Wolves can exploit defensive lapses through speed and counter‑attack.
Prediction:
Kwara United 0–2 Warri Wolves
Wolves’ attacking sharpness may prove vital.
Betting Tip: Away win; over 1.5 goals.
5. Niger Tornadoes vs Bendel Insurance
Overview:
A fixture that has significance for both clubs’ mid‑table prospects. Niger Tornadoes have shown competitive edge, while Bendel Insurance have improved tactical coherence.
Tactical Focus:
The Tornadoes are effective in possession transitions, while Bendel Insurance often defend deep and break quickly.
Key Players:
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Tornadoes’ creative midfielders and attacking runners.
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Insurance’s organized defense and set‑piece options.
Prediction:
Niger Tornadoes 1–0 Bendel Insurance
A tight match with minimal goals likely.
Betting Tip: Narrow home win; under 2.5 goals.
6. Enugu Rangers vs Kano Pillars
Overview:
A marquee NPFL contest between two established clubs with passionate fan bases and historical significance in Nigerian football.
Tactical Insight:
This game is likely to be open, with both sides seeking control through midfield dominance and tactical discipline.
Key Players:
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Rangers’ midfield creativity.
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Pillars’ attacking coordination.
Prediction:
Enugu Rangers 2–1 Kano Pillars
Slight edge to the home team in a contest of rhythmic play.
Betting Tip: Home win; both teams to score.
7. Remo Stars vs Plateau United
Overview:
Remo Stars, historically a mid‑table club with solid structure, host Plateau United, a team keen to climb into upper standing.
Tactical Insight:
Remo Stars will focus on control and retention, while Plateau United aim to exploit spaces with incisive passing.
Key Players:
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Remo Stars’ midfield distributors.
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Plateau’s dynamic forwards.
Prediction:
Remo Stars 1–1 Plateau United
A balanced encounter ending in a draw.
Betting Tip: Both teams to score; draw.
8. Wikki Tourist vs Nasarawa United
Overview:
A matchup where Wikki Tourist play at home against Nasarawa United, a side with established attacking capability.
Tactical Overview:
Wikki Tourist will look for focused attacking pressing and transition play, while Nasarawa United emphasize structured possession.
Key Players:
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Wikki Tourist’s attacking midfield creative outlets.
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Nasarawa United’s forward finishers.
Prediction:
Wikki Tourist 1–2 Nasarawa United
Away side’s consistent form may secure victory.
Betting Tip: Away win; over 2.5 goals.
Key Tactical Trends This Weekend
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Tough Mid‑Table Battles: Several fixtures (e.g., Remo Stars vs Plateau United) pit similarly matched sides, likely resulting in tactical chess games.
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Goalscoring Challenges: Clubs like Kwara United have found scoring difficult; matches involving these teams may trend toward low scores.
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Top Performers: Teams with historical pedigree (e.g., Enugu Rangers, Enyimba) often set the tone in high‑pressure matches.
People Also Ask (SEO Optimized)
Q1: When are the NPFL fixtures for the weekend of 31 January – 1 February 2026?
NPFL Matchday 24 fixtures are scheduled mainly on Sunday, 1 February 2026, with kickoff times typically in the morning local time.
Q2: Which NPFL match is the most anticipated this weekend?
The Enugu Rangers vs Kano Pillars clash is one of the most anticipated due to historical rivalry and league position.
Q3: How many NPFL matches are there this weekend?
There are eight scheduled NPFL matches for Sunday, with some preliminary fixtures on Saturday depending on local scheduling.
Q4: Which teams are top of the NPFL this season?
Teams like Rivers United, Nasarawa United, Abia Warriors, and Enugu Rangers are among the top performers this season.
Q5: What time do NPFL games usually kick off?
Most NPFL matches kick off around 10:00 AM WAT, though times may vary by stadium and broadcast scheduling.
Internal Links (FullTimePredict SEO Boost)
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🔗 NPFL Fixtures, Live Scores & Results
🔗 Banker of the Day Tips
🔗 Fulltime Prediction (General Predictions Page)
FAQs — Expanded (5–8 Questions)
1. What is the significance of NPFL Matchday 24?
Matchday 24 can influence title races, continental qualification positioning, and relegation battles, as teams enter the final stretch.
2. Which NPFL games this weekend are likely to be high scoring?
Fixtures like Wikki Tourist vs Nasarawa United may produce more goals based on attacking tendencies.
3. Which teams are favorites to win their matches?
Clubs with strong form and home advantage — such as Enugu Rangers and Nasarawa United — are favored.
4. Are there any relegation six‑pointers this weekend?
Matches involving struggling teams like Barau and Kwara United have relegation implications.
5. What betting markets should fans consider?
Look at both teams to score, under/over goals markets, and home/away win odds for tactical matchups.
6. Can NPFL results impact continental competitions?
Yes — finishing in the top positions may qualify teams for CAF competitions such as the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.
7. How to stay updated with live NPFL results?
Live scores and match updates are available on official NPFL channels, sports broadcasters, and league score websites.
8. Which players should fans watch?
Key players include top scorers and midfield creators from clubs like Enyimba, Enugu Rangers, Nasarawa United, and Warri Wolves.
Conclusion — Weekend Preview & Key Takeaways
The NPFL weekend of 31 January – 1 February 2026 offers compelling fixtures, tactical intrigue, and moments that could redefine team campaigns. From title aspirations to mid‑table pride and survival battles, each match carries its own narrative.
With detailed tactical insights, form analysis, predictions, and betting angles, this FullTimePredict pillar guide equips you with everything needed to understand the weekend’s NPFL action — far beyond basic fixture lists.
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