Football is the most popular sport in Nigeria, and globally. There are so many clubs all over the world with millions of fans supporting them; it is one of the sports known to bring people of various races, tribes, and colour together. Nigeria is blessed with a lot of football clubs, and its citizens barely know or support them; that is why we have compiled this list of the top 10 football clubs in the current NPFL season, it would shock you to see how far these clubs have come, and how well they are doing, and making Nigeria proud. This ranking is based on performance so far this season 2019/2020.
1. Plateau United FC
Founded: 1975
Nickname: Peace Boys
Home Ground: New Jos Stadium
Capacity: 15,000 Colour: Yellow and Green
The Jos based club was founded in 1975 as, “JIB strikers” now Plateau United FC plays in the Nigerian Professional Football League. The team is currently managed by Abdu Maikaba.
The club won Nigeria FA Cup in 1999, and in 2017, led by coach Kennedy Boboye, won the NPFL for the first time. Plateau United FC is currently sitting at the top of the NPFL table.
2. Rivers United FC
Founded: 2016
Nickname: Pride of Rivers
Home Ground: Yakubu Gowon Stadium
Capacity: 30,000 Colour: Blue
Formed by the merger of Sharks FC and Dolphins FC in 2016, Rivers United FC definitely has the spirit of sharks and dolphins behind them as they play in the Nigerian Professional Football League, which is the highest level of domestic Nigerian football, finished second in the NPL and and qualified for the first time for the 2017 CAF Champions League.
Rivers United is currently 2nd on the NPFL table. The club is based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and it is managed by Stanley Eguma.
3. Lobi Stars FC
Founded: 1981
Nickname: Pride of Benue
Home Ground: Aper Aku Stadium
Capacity: 15,000 Colour: Blue and Black
Popularly known as Lobi Stars, this club is based in Makurdi, Benue State and is also nicknamed, “Ortom Boys” after the name of current Governor of the State, Samuel Ortom.
Lobi Stars play in the Nigerian Professional Football League, currently, 3rd on the NPL table won the maiden edition of Nigerian Super League led by coach Godwin Koko Uwua, and won their first FA Cup title in 2003 with major appearances in CAF Champions League, and Confederation Cup. The club is currently coached by Gbenga Ogunbote who was appointed July 1, 2019.
4. Rangers International FC
Founded: 1970
Nickname: Flying Antelopes
Home Ground: Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium
Capacity: 22,000 Colour: White and Red
Popularly known as Enugu Rangers, the club founded in 1970 has been the only Nigerian club never to have been relegated from the Nigeria Premier League. They won their first NPL Championship in 2016, the last time being 1982, Rangers have also made ten appearances in the CAF organized competition, two in the Champions League, four in CAF Confederation Cup, two in CAF Cup, and two CAF Cup Winners Cup appearances.
They are currently 4th on the NPFL table, coached by Salisu Yusuf. The Enugu Rangers compete with Enyimba FC in the “Oriental Derby”.
5. Enyimba International FC
Founded: 1976
Nickname: The Peoples Elephant
Home Ground: Enyimba International Stadium
Capacity: 25,000 Colour: Blue and White
Popularly known as Enyimba, this Nigerian football club based in Aba, Abia State, plays in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), the highest level of domestic football in Nigeria, and is termed the most successful football club in Nigeria. The word Enyimba in Igbo language means, “People’s elephant”, which is the nickname for the city of Aba. Enyimba International Football Club gained eminence since 2001, winning two African Champions League titles, eight Nigerian Championships, and four Federation Cups.
The club has won several awards, one of which is Best Team in Africa award in 2003 led by coach Kadiri Ikhana who also won the best coach that year and next. Enyimba International, currently 5th on the NPFL table, is coached by Fatai Osho who was appointed January 6, 2020.
6. Akwa United FC
Founded: 1996
Nickname: Promise Keepers
Home Ground: Godswill Akpabio Stadium
Capacity: 30,000 Colour: White and Orange
This football club, owned by the Akwa Ibom State Government has since been a force to reckon with. Currently, 6th on the NPFL table, the club is based in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Just like their nickname they have surely kept their promise so far being the first-rate football club in Akwa Ibom State. The club is currently coached by Kennedy Boboye who was appointed December 16, 2019, after leaving Plateau United FC.
The 2017/18 NPFL season where they finished second, marked their seven consecutive seasons since 2011/12, and so far has appearances in Nigerian SuperCup, CAF Confederation Cup, and won two Nigerian FA Cup titles.
7. Kano Pillars
Founded: 1990
Nickname: Sai Masu Gida
Home Ground: Sani Abacha Stadium
Capacity: 18,000 Colour: Yellow and Green
Kano Pillars have remained the football pillars in Kano State. It was formed from the amalgamation of three amateur clubs in Kano State and now plays in the top division in the Nigerian Premier League. They stayed home unbeaten for twelve years until 2015 when they lost to Nasarawa United in the top flight match.
The club has won four Nigerian Premier League Championships, one Nigerian FA Cup, and one Nigerian Super Cup with five appearances at CAF Champions League. It is currently 7th on the NPFL table and coached by Ibrahim A. Musa.
8. Dakkada FC
Founded: 2004
Nickname: Akwa Starlets
Home Ground: Godswill Akpabio Stadium
Capacity: 30,000 Colour: White and Orange
Formerly called Akwa Starlets FC and run by the Akwa Ibom State Government. It changed its name from Akwa Starlet in October 2019 following a management official re-branding. Dakkada FC plays in the Nigerian Professional Football League after its promotion to the Nigeria Premier League in July 2019.
Caleb Esu currently manages the club, he was appointed head coach of the side in December 2019. Daakada FC are currently 8th on the NPFL table, with hopes of qualification for continental football in the coming season.
9. Sunshine Stars FC
Founded: 1995
Nickname: Akure Gunners
Home Ground: Akure Township Stadium
Capacity: 5,000 Colour: Blue and Orange
This football club based in Akure and plays in the top division of the Nigeria Premier League, also referred to by some faction of their fan base as “The Owena Waves” .
They are currently 9th on the NPFL table, have appearances in CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup, and coached by Kabiru Dogo who was appointed October 30, 2018.
10. Katsina United
Founded: 1994
Nickname: The Changi Boys
Home Ground: Muhammadu Dikko Stadium
Capacity: 35,000 Colour: Yellow and Red
Katsina United FC plays in the Nigerian Professional Football League, wholly owned by the Katsina State Government was promoted to the top flight league in 1997. In 2001 the Team got relegated to the lover division which led to the eventual disbandment of the Team. After some restructuring, the Team was reestablished but with the name Spotlights FC playing in the National League.
In 2016, the team changed it name back to Katsina United and got promoted back to the top flight league after 15 years of relegation. Henry Makinwa currently manages the club, he was appointed head coach of the side in September 2019. KatsinaFC are currently 10th on the NPFL table, with hopes of qualification for continental football in the coming season.
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