Things are not what they used to be in the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL). The competition, especially its title race, which was normally reserved for such heavyweights as Enyimba, Kano Pillars, Rivers United, Akwa United, Lobi Stars and Enugu Rangers, has seen a new crop of teams threatening to topple the apple cart.

Enyimba, Lobi Stars, Akwa United, Kano Pillars and Enugu Rangers have dominated the competition since the turn of the century, but a group of new clubs, some of who are not up to five years in the scene, are threatening to overthrow the old order; and they are so serious.

To show that they mean business, Remo Stars, Sporting Lagos and Doma United have been hitting their more renowned opponents so hard that followers of the NPFL are beginning to think that, perhaps, a new champion would emerge this season.

Last week, Doma United hit their more illustrious neighbours, Gombe United, 3-0 at the latter’s lair in Gombe. Sporting Lagos followed suit with a 3-0 defeat of former NPFL champions, Kano Pillars, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan. A week before then, Remo Stars had defeated former African champions, Shooting Stars of Ibadan, 3-0, to show that their recent displays were no fluke.

Yesterday in Bauchi, Doma United continued from where they stopped last week by beating former champions, Akwa United 1-0.Although it is still early days, the league table shows that the new boys on the block are not ready to play second fiddle to anybody.

On top of the log is Lobi Stars, followed by Enugu Rangers and 3SC, who have played one game more than fourth-placed Remo Stars. Abia Warriors are fifth, while Sporting Lagos occupy the sixth position, just as Doma United, with fewer games than others, are placed seventh, with three points separating them from leaders, Lobi Stars, who have 14 points from seven games.

Today, Remo Stars will host Gombe United, while Sporting Lagos will get a tough test of their credentials against high-riding Lobi Stars. These are expected to be tough encounters, but already, pundits have given Remo Stars the three points from their game against Gombe United going by their different performances this season.

Other games scheduled for today are the battle of record champions, Enyimba of Aba and Kano Pillars at the Sani Abacha Stadium and the Sunshine Stars versus Enugu Rangers game in Akure.

Kwara United will host Shooting Stars in Ilorin, Plateau United and Abia Warriors will clash in Jos, while Niger Tornadoes will host Bendel Insurance, just as Katsina United will be at home to Rivers United.