BAYELSA United and Wikki Tourists have been relegated from the Nigeria Premier Football League after suffering defeats yesterday, while Rangers and Rivers United have taken the fight for the title to the final matchday.
Former champions Bayelsa United lost 2-1 at Remo Stars while Wikki were beaten 3-2 at home by Finidi George’s Rivers United.
Ofem Nneoyi handed Bayelsa United the lead in the fifth minute at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne when he broke free and scored in a one-on-one situation against goalkeeper Adebiyi Obassa.
Five minutes before the break, Alex Oyowah headed in the equaliser for Remo Stars before Victor Mbaoma netted the winning goal on 64 minutes to give the champions a lifeline in their battle against the drop.
It was end-to-end at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi where Wikki Tourists surrendered the lead twice after Jonathan Mairiga (21′) and Imamu Bala (49′) scored for them.
Handsome Surveyor and Chijioke Mbaoma scored a goal each to ensure Rivers United were back in the contest before Taofeek Otaniyi scored the winner five minutes from time to make sure the title destination will be decided on matchday 38.
Rangers hoping for a ninth title will have to wait till the final day despite a 2-1 win over Bendel Insurance at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu. Godwin Obaje scored twice while Alex Oweilayefa got Insurance’s goal.
The title race has been put on ice until the final day when Rangers make the trip to Lagos to face Ikorodu City while Rivers United host Katsina United.
Lucky Emmanuel’s first half strike kept Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) in the hunt for a continental place as they saw out their one-goal lead against Barau FC. The win puts 3SC in third place ahead of the final day.
One of the chasers for continental spots, Ikorodu City, suffered a 4-2 defeat at Katsina United. Jamilu Yusuf scored twice (6′, 31′) while Azeez Falolu (25′) and Daniel Agara (84′) were also on target.
Kano Pillars and Federation Cup holders Kwara United gave themselves huge hopes in the battle for survival with wins over Warri Wolves and Enyimba respectively.
Rabiu Ali scored from the spot to secure a 1-0 win for Kano Pillars while Bright Babatunde’s first half brace ensured Kwara United got the full points, but both teams will wait until the final day to confirm their top-flight status.
Nasarawa United’s slim win over Plateau United was not enough to keep them in the race for a continental place. JoFrank Istifanus scored the only goal for the Solid Miners.
Perhaps the biggest win of the matchday was in Aba where Uchechukwu Onuoha’s double against Abia Warriors might just be sufficient for Kun Khalifat FC to stay in the top division for a second season. Kun Khalifat won 2-0.
The match between El-Kanemi Warriors and Niger Tornadoes ended goalless.
The final day of the season will take place on May 24.
NPFL RESULTS
3SC 1-0 Barau FC
El-Kanemi 0-0 Niger Tornadoes
Kwara United 2-0 Enyimba
Remo Stars 2-1 Bayelsa United
Rangers 2-1 Bendel Insurance
Katsina United 4-1 Ikorodu City
Wikki 2-3 Rivers United
Abia Warriors 0-2 Kun Khalifat
Kano Pillars 1-0 Warri Wolves
Nasarawa United 1-0 Plateau United
