The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table is beginning to take shape after Matchday 7, with Rangers International maintaining their position at the summit while several clubs continue to battle for points at both ends of the standings.
Defending champions Rangers International sit top of the table with 16 points from seven matches, having recorded five wins, one draw and one defeat. The Flying Antelopes have scored 12 goals and conceded seven, underlining their strong start to the campaign.
Rivers United remain within touching distance of the leaders in second place with 15 points. The Pride of Rivers are the only unbeaten side in the division after seven matches, boasting four wins and three draws while conceding just two goals.
Doma United occupy third position on 13 points, while Barau FC and Bendel Insurance complete the top five with 12 points each.
Plateau United are sixth with 11 points, while Kano Pillars sit seventh on 10 points despite having played one match fewer than most teams in the division.
The race for the continental qualification places remains tightly contested, with only six points separating Rangers at the top from several teams in the middle of the table.
Further down the standings, Ikorodu City, Sporting Lagos and Katsina United are level on nine points, while Niger Tornadoes, Nasarawa United and Abia Warriors occupy positions just above the relegation zone.
Nine-time champions Enyimba remain in an unfamiliar 15th position with seven points from seven matches despite their recent improvement in form.
Ranchers Bees and Shooting Stars also have seven points, although the Oluyole Warriors have played one game fewer.
At the bottom of the table, Warri Wolves sit 18th on seven points, while Inter Lagos and Kun Khalifat occupy the final two positions with five points each.
With only seven rounds played, the league remains wide open. However, Rangers and Rivers United have emerged as the early pace-setters, while clubs at the bottom will be desperate to improve their fortunes before the gap begins to widen.
The coming weeks could prove crucial as teams seek to establish themselves in the title race, continental qualification battle, or fight against relegation.
