Lobi Stars of Makurdi became the first side to be relegated in the 2024-25 Nigeria Premier Football League following their loss to Kano Pillars on Sunday, www.aclsports.com reports.
The Pride of Benue, who have spent a majority of the season in the drop zone, saw their status in the second division confirmed for next season after a 2-0 defeat in the match day 33 encounter decided in Kano.
Ahmed Musa and Naziru Auwalu scored the goals for Usman Abdallah’s side who ended a run of five games without a win.
Elsewhere, former champions Akwa United saw their survival charge dealt a huge blow following a 1-1 draw with Elkanemi Warriors in Uyo. Osoba Kabir handed the Promise Keepers a lead midway through the first-half, but a late Wisdom Ndon own-goal helped the away side level the scoring and take a point.
Despite efforts to snatch a late win, Kennedy Boboye’s side failed to get the all important winning goal. With this result, Akwa United stay in 18th, and are three points adrift of safety with five games to go.
In the Oriental Derby in Enugu, Heartland shocked Rangers, whose legend Christian Chukwu passed away 24 hours earlier, to brighten their chances of survival. Surajudeen Lawal and Isaac Nassy scored in either half to help the Naze Millionaires return to Owerri with all three points.
In Lagos, Ikorodu City continued their scoring spree with a commanding 3-0 defeat of Niger Tornadoes. Super sub Ayomide Cole, who replaced Ikechukwu Nwanna at halftime, scored either side of Shola Adelani’s 11th league goal to also reach double figures in goals this season.
League leaders, Remo Stars, surprisingly drew goalless with Katsina United in Ikenne. Despite the result, the Sky Blue Stars extended their lead at the top to seven points following Rivers United’s 2-0 loss to Abia Warriors in Umuahia. Emmanuel Ogbuagu and Anthony Ijoma scored for the continental hopefuls.
Meanwhile, Bendel Insurance continued their great rise with another win on the road courtesy of Kayode Oke’s lone strike against Kwara United in Ilorin.
In the race for survival, Nasarawa United beat Plateau United 3-2 in Lafia, while Sunshine Stars edged Enyimba 2-1 in Ijebu Ode. Earlier on Friday, Shooting Stars lost 3-0 to Bayelsa United.
As we draw close to the end of the 2024-25 season, match day 34 games have been scheduled to take place this Easter weekend.
