NPFL Matchday 38 is the most dramatic final day in years. Our betting tips cover the title race, relegation showdown, and the best picks for Sunday May 24.
Sunday May 24 delivers the most dramatic NPFL final day in living memory. The 2025/26 season title, continental spots, and the last two relegation places will all be decided simultaneously at 4:00 PM. Our NPFL Matchday 38 betting tips break down every key fixture, so you know exactly where to put your money before kick-off.
One point. That is all that separates Enugu Rangers (65 points) and Rivers United (64 points) at the top of the NPFL table. Meanwhile, five clubs at the bottom are separated by a single point in the most congested relegation fight in recent league history. This is not a day to sleep on.
Enugu Rangers travel to the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, needing only a win to be crowned NPFL champions. Simple on paper. Brutal in practice.
Ikorodu City remain unbeaten at home throughout the entire 2025/26 season. Their home fortress in Lagos has been one of the most intimidating venues in Nigerian football this year, and they have every reason to make things difficult for Rangers. The Golden Boot race also features Ikorodu’s own Joseph Arumala, giving their forwards an individual incentive to perform.
Rangers, under Fidelis Ilechukwu, are a disciplined, well-drilled side. But the weight of expectation is enormous, and away from Enugu, they face a club with everything to play for on their own patch.
Our pick: Back Rangers to score and the match to have over 2.5 goals. Rangers need to chase the game if they fall behind, and Ikorodu will not sit back. Both teams attacking with purpose makes goals the most reliable market here.
The title double chance — Rangers Win or Draw — at around 1.40 is for lower-risk accounts who believe the Enugu defence holds firm.
Rivers United host Katsina United at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Sports Complex in Port Harcourt. For Finidi George’s side, the equation is clear: win, then hope Ikorodu City do them a favour in Lagos.
Rivers United at home are formidable. Katsina United are unpredictable and capable of spoiling anyone’s party, but they come here with nothing to play for. A motivated, confident Rivers United side against a side with no stakes is a bankable home win.
The danger is that Rivers United overextend chasing goals, leaving themselves exposed on the counter. Back Rivers United to win, but be cautious about predicting a scoreline.
Our pick: Rivers United Win — approximately 1.72 on Bet9ja. Solid value, strong home record, and Katsina have little motivation to defend a point.
The bottom of the table is chaos. Enyimba (46 pts), Remo Stars (46 pts), Kun Khalifat, Warri Wolves, and Niger Tornadoes are all separated by one point. At least two of them go down. According to npfl.ng, the NPFL has dispatched match commissioners to every ground to ensure clean, fair results.
Key relegation fixtures:
Enyimba vs El-Kanemi Warriors: Enyimba are at home in Aba. They must win to have any chance of survival. The pressure is enormous — Enyimba have never been relegated in their history. Back Enyimba to win at their fortress. Approximate odds: 1.80 on SportyBet.
Bendel Insurance vs Remo Stars: Defending champions Remo Stars travel to Benin knowing a defeat could end their NPFL era. Bendel Insurance have had a decent home record. Remo Stars cannot afford to lose. This is the most uncertain of the relegation ties — back the draw at approximately 3.10, or avoid altogether if you want clean picks.
Build from the most reliable outcomes across Matchday 38:
Combined three-leg odds: approximately 6.20. This is a high-risk accumulator — final-day results are volatile. Use a small stake, no more than one unit from your weekend bankroll.
For accumulators across multiple competitions this weekend, check our free weekend tips hub, where we add picks from the Premier League and other leagues throughout the day.
Rangers Win vs Ikorodu City at 2.10 is the standout value bet of the NPFL final day. Rangers have a superior squad, a proven manager, and the experience of big-game pressure. Ikorodu’s home record is impressive, but they have never hosted a match with stakes this high. The premium on the Rangers win price is fair given the occasion, but 2.10 is generous for a side that only needs three points to lift the title.
Stake one to two units. Accept the risk that Ikorodu’s home fortress holds, but back the quality to show.
Final-day football is the hardest day to bet. Results are shaped by emotions, pressure, and shifting game states more than any other round. A few guidelines for today:
Set your stakes before kick-off and do not add more mid-game. Chasing live bets on a final day is how accounts get cleared. Visit our best betting sites in Nigeria guide if you need a reliable bookmaker with competitive odds for today’s fixtures.
Spread stakes across two or three singles rather than loading everything into one accumulator. And use only money you are comfortable losing — today’s drama deserves a clear head.
Responsible gambling: Betting should be for entertainment only. Only bet what you can afford to lose. If gambling is affecting you, contact the NLRC helpline.
Responsible gambling: Betting should be for entertainment only. Only bet what you can afford to lose. If gambling is affecting you, contact the NLRC helpline.
