NPFL Matchday 16 Preview: Remo Stars eye ninth straight unbeaten against Enyimba, leaders Ikorodu City seek second away win

The spotlight this weekend falls on Abeokuta, where Remo Stars host Enyimba in a clash that could shape the narrative of the season.

The Sky Blue Stars have built an impressive record against the People’s Elephant, unbeaten in their last eight meetings, and now eyeing a ninth. For Enyimba, the reigning champions, the stakes could not be higher: winless in five matches and hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone, they must find a way to halt their slide.

Remo Stars, meanwhile, are eager to bounce back from their midweek defeat to Shooting Stars, knowing victory would reaffirm their status as one of the league’s most consistent sides.

From Abeokuta, attention shifts to Katsina, where Kano Pillars face Kun Khalifat in their adopted home ground. Pillars recently ended an eight-game winless run with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City, but remain rooted to the bottom of the table.

A win here would mark their first back-to-back triumphs of the season, though Kun Khalifat have shown resilience on the road and will not be easy to break down.

In Umuahia, Abia Warriors welcome Rivers United in a fixture that pits desperation against ambition. Warriors are winless in four and slipping further from the title race, while Rivers United, sitting third with two games in hand, know victory could propel them to the summit if rivals falter.

Imama Amapakabo’s men must rediscover their spark quickly, but Finidi George’s side arrive with momentum and a clear path to the top.

League leaders Ikorodu City travel to Bauchi to face Wikki Tourists, determined to consolidate their position at the top. With only two defeats all season, Ikorodu City have proven difficult to stop, though they seek just their second away win after their earlier triumph in Delta against Warri Wolves.

Wikki Tourists, however, will be eager to use home advantage to dent the leaders’ charge.

In Jos, Plateau United host Warri Wolves in a battle for survival. Plateau sit in the relegation zone but know three points could lift them out. Wolves, unbeaten in their last two, have shown grit and will not be easy visitors, making this a tense encounter with high stakes at both ends of the table.

Kwara United, meanwhile, face Niger Tornadoes in Ilorin, desperate to end a five-game winless run. The Afonja Warriors last tasted victory in early November against Remo Stars, but their form has since collapsed.

Tornadoes, sitting fourth, present a formidable challenge and will look to extend Kwara’s misery while strengthening their own top-four credentials.

In Maiduguri, El-Kanemi Warriors host Barau FC in a clash of contrasting fortunes. El-Kanemi have lost their last two and sit just two points above the drop zone, needing a win to steady their campaign.

Barau, buoyed by two victories in their last three, will be chasing their second away success of the season after their earlier triumph in Owerri against Kun Khalifat.

Finally, the Cathedral in Enugu stages a mouthwatering tie between Rangers International and Bayelsa United. Rangers could climb into the top four with a win, but Bayelsa arrive unbeaten in five and brimming with confidence.

Fidelis Ilechukwu’s men know victory would thrust them firmly into the title race as the first half of the season nears its end, but Bayelsa’s resilience makes this one of the weekend’s most unpredictable fixtures.