According to PUNCH Sports Extra, the Nigeria Premier Football League relegation struggle reached a decisive stage on matchday 37, with Wikki Tourists and Bayelsa United both condemned to relegation. Meanwhile, record champions Enyimba and defending champions Remo Stars are still in danger before the last day.
Remo Stars defeated Bayelsa United 2-1 in the Remo Stars Stadium, although the outcome was insufficient for the hosts’ chances of surviving.
Ofem Nneoyi gave Bayelsa the lead in the fifth minute, but Remo overcame it with goals from Alex Oyowah in the 40th and Victor Mbaoma in the 64th.
Remo Stars’ own existence is still in doubt despite the victory. With one game remaining, they must either overcome Bendel Insurance in Edo or rely on other outcomes involving Warri Wolves and Niger Tornadoes, two other relegation-threatened teams, to escape being demoted. But after the loss, Bayelsa United was formally demoted, finishing the season in the bottom two.
After losing badly against Kwara United 2-0 in Lagos, the Peoples’ Elephants were in a vulnerable situation going into the last round.
Kwara United won and moved up to 11th place in the standings thanks to a swift double from Babatunde Bright in the fourth and 29th minutes.
But after the loss, Bayelsa United was formally demoted, finishing the season in the bottom two.
After losing badly against Kwara United 2-0 in Lagos, the Peoples’ Elephants were in a vulnerable situation going into the last round.
Kwara United won and moved up to 11th place in the standings thanks to a swift double from Babatunde Bright in the fourth and 29th minutes.With four teams still at risk of relegation going into the final day, Enyimba’s loss puts them in 15th place, tied with Remo Stars and Warri Wolves FC on points.
In other news, Uchechukwu Onuoha’s braces in the third and forty minutes helped Kun Khalifat defeat Abia Warriors 2-0 on the road, increasing their chances of survival.
Khalifat, who were at the bottom of the standings for most of the season, are currently in 14th place and will try to ensure their safety when they play Wikki Tourists, who have already been demoted, on the last day.
A concurrent 3-2 home loss to Rivers United cemented Wikki’s demise.
Rabiu Ali’s late penalty helped Kano Pillars defeat Warri Wolves 1-0, while Jofrank Istifanus’ goal helped Nasarawa United defeat Plateau United 1-0.
With at least ten teams still not mathematically secure going into the final matchday, the bottom half of the NPFL table is still evenly distributed.
Pillars sit 10th on 48 points, while Kwara United and Plateau United are both on 47 points, followed closely by El-Kanemi Warriors on the same tally
Niger Tornadoes are only 45 points behind Khalifat, Enyimba, Remo, and Warri Wolves, who are all at 46.
Wikki Tourists and Bayelsa United have already been down to 40 points apiece.
Relegation and survival will be decided on a number of factors in the season’s last round of games, which promises a suspenseful finale.
In what is anticipated to be a thrilling campaign finale, important games include Bayelsa United versus Kwara United, Kun Khalifat hosting Wikki Tourists, Niger Tornadoes versus Shooting Stars, Plateau United versus Kano Pillars, Remo Stars traveling to Bendel Insurance, and Enyimba at home against El-Kanemi Warriors.
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