Heartland of Owerri, coached by Super Eagles legend Emmanuel Amuneke, and Akwa United were officially relegated from the Nigeria Premier Football League on Sunday.
The two joined Sunshine Stars and Lobi Stars as the four teams demoted to the second-tier Nigeria National League (NNL) after the matchday 38 fixtures concluded on Sunday.
Although Heartland defeated Akwa United 2-1 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, the two clubs were relegated.
While Heartland ended up with 48 points to finish 17th, Akwa United, champions in 2021, were 18th with 44 points.
In Maiduguri, El-Kanemi Warriors defeated already relegated Sunshine Stars 1-0 as the Akure-based side finished 19th with 41 points, 13 more than bottom club Lobi Stars.
Champions Remo Stars lost 3-0 at Bayelsa United, while Rivers United sealed second spot and a place in next season’s CAF Champions League with a 2-1 victory over Nasarawa United.
Abia Warriors clinched the third position and the last continental slot even after losing 3-2 to Ikorodu City in Lagos.
The two clubs finished on 60 points and 59 points respectively, with Abia Warriors qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup.
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) playing behind closed doors in Ibadan, handed the heaviest defeat of 5-1 to last season’s champions Rangers.
The traditional giants finished in the eighth and 10th positions respectively.
RESULTS
Lobi Stars 2-1 Bendel Insurance
El-Kanemi 1-0 Sunshine Stars
3SC 5-1 Rangers
Tornadoes 3-2 Kano Pillars
Rivers United 2-1 Nasarawa United
Enyimba 0-1 Plateau United
Ikorodu City 3-2 Abia Warriors
Bayelsa United 3-0 Remo Stars
Katsina United 1-0 Kwara United
Heartland 2-1 Akwa United
