Heartland FC and Akwa United have been relegated to the Nigeria National League (NNL), joining Sunshine Stars and Lobi Stars as the four teams dropping from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following the conclusion of Matchday 38 on Sunday, May 25.
Heartland, a former NPFL champion, suffered a 2-1 home loss to a fellow relegation-threatened side at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri. They ended the season with 48 points—just one point behind El-Kanemi Warriors, who secured their top-flight survival with a narrow 1-0 win over already-relegated Sunshine Stars in Maiduguri.
Akwa United wrapped up their campaign with 44 points after also losing in Owerri. Sunshine Stars finished 19th with 41 points, while Lobi Stars languished at the bottom of the table with only 28 points.
Meanwhile, Remo Stars were crowned NPFL champions with 71 points, despite a 3-0 defeat to Bayelsa United on the final day. Rivers United claimed second place with 64 points following a 2-1 win over Nasarawa United.
Abia Warriors secured third place and the final continental ticket, finishing with 60 points despite a dramatic 3-2 loss to rivals Ikorodu City, who ended the season with 59 points.
Elsewhere in Ibadan, Shooting Stars thrashed FA Cup holders Rangers International 5-1 behind closed doors. Both teams had nothing at stake, finishing 8th and 10th in the final standings, respectively.
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