NPFL: Sporting Lagos host Enugu Rangers, so who gains at the top if the leaders slip?

Enugu Rangers and Rivers United are level on 17 points at the top of the NPFL, and Rangers visit third-placed Sporting Lagos on matchday 10.

Soccernet looked at why the Rangers hold the edge over Rivers United earlier this week. Here is where the table stands after matchday 9, and what the next round could change.

Matchday 9 results and the table

Results from 16 to 18 October, as listed by Nigerian Matchday: Rivers United 0-0 Barau FC; Plateau United 2-3 Sporting Lagos; Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Ikorodu City; Kano Pillars 1-0 Katsina United; Inter Lagos 0-2 Nasarawa United; Enyimba 0-0 Warri Wolves; Doma United 1-1 Kun Khalifat; Kwara United 1-1 Abia Warriors; Shooting Stars 3-1 Ranchers Bees.

The same table has Rivers United on 17 points from nine games with a goal difference of +11, and Enugu Rangers on 17 from eight with +5. Sporting Lagos are on 15, ahead of Plateau United, Barau, Nasarawa United, Kano Pillars and Doma United on 14.

Nigerian Matchday's figure for Inter Lagos does not match their record of wins, draws and losses, so we have used the results and the points that add up, and left that club's total out.

Analysis: Why Sporting Lagos against Rangers matters

Rangers have played one game fewer than Rivers United, so a win at Sporting Lagos would lift them to 20 points and open a gap, if the listed table is accurate. A defeat would put Sporting Lagos level with them on points as the other pace-setters wait.

Rivers United face Bendel Insurance in the same round. Sporting Lagos won at Plateau United 3-2 last time out, so the hosts arrive with momentum, while Rangers' goal difference is the smaller of the two leaders.

Sources differ on dates: Nigerian Matchday lists the Sporting Lagos game on Saturday 24 October and the Bendel Insurance game on Sunday 25 October, while Goal shows Friday 23 and Saturday 24 respectively. Check the NPFL's official channels before travelling. For more on how the league's leading clubs stack up, see Soccernet's look at the NPFL stars who earned Super Eagles call-ups. The results this weekend will show whether the top of the table is opening up or tightening.