NPFL: Last relegation places enter final Matchday

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

With Enugu Rangers clinching the league title, the two last relegation places will be determined on the last Matchday of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

Gombe United and Heartland FC have sealed their place in the second-tier Nigeria National League (NNL) while the last two places will be determined on Matchday 38 with eight teams in the fray.

Sunshine Stars edged Remo Stars 2-1 but need to avoid defeat in their outstanding game against Doma United to retain their league status.

Kano Pillars played a 1-1 draw with Plateau United and seats in the 12th position, three points and five places above the drop zone.

Kwara United’s 4-3 loss to Lobi Stars didn’t help their league status ahead of the final Matchday with two points and four places above the relegation zone.

Relegated Heartland FC pipped Niger Tornadoes to push the latter into the relegation dogfight with 48 points.

In Yenegoa, Bayelsa United had to come from a goal down to secure a 2-1 win over Shooting Stars but still not saved yet with 47 points.

Akwa United’s 2-0 loss to Abia Warriors sealed the latter’s league status and put the Promise Keepers in danger of relegation but they have their destiny in their hands at home in the last game.

Sporting Lagos defeated Enyimba 2-1 and will take a trip to Ibadan in the final Matchday to beat the drop zone.

In all, two out of Sunshine Stars, Kano Pillars, Kwara United, Niger Tornadoes, Bayelsa United, Akwa United, Sporting Lagos, and Doma United will drop to the NNL after the final Matchday.