The 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season wrapped up in a whirlwind of emotions, drama, and unforgettable moments on Sunday, as the final matchday sealed the fate of clubs battling for survival and pride.
Heartland FC and Akwa United, both former top-flight regulars, saw their fates sealed as they were officially relegated to the Nigeria National League (NNL), joining Sunshine Stars and Lobi Stars in the drop zone.
Read Also: Tobi Amusan Shatters Rabat Record with Blazing 100m Hurdles Victory
Heartland’s Brief Return Ends in Despair
Heartland FC’s journey this season has been a rollercoaster. Having gained a controversial reprieve by taking the NPFL slot of Beyond Limits FC after the last season relegation, the Naze Millionaires were hoping to make the most of their second chance. Despite a 2-1 win over fellow strugglers Akwa United in Owerri, it was too little too late. They finished the campaign in 17th place with 47 points, just two short of safety.
Read Also: Edo Queens vs. Nasarawa Amazons: A Grudge Match for the President Federation Cup Final Spot
Akwa United’s NPFL Era Ends After 17 Seasons
Akwa United, who were promoted to the NPFL in the 2007/08 season and famously lifted the title in 2020/21, now face the reality of life back in the lower tier. Their 2-1 loss to Heartland ended any lingering hope of survival. It marks a stunning fall from grace for a club once considered a model of professionalism and structure in the league.
El-Kanemi Survive, Sunshine Stars Fall
In Maiduguri, El-Kanemi Warriors held their nerve to secure a narrow 1-0 win over already relegated Sunshine Stars, finishing the season on 49 points—enough to secure their top-flight status. It was the last top-flight match for the Owenna Boys; whether they will navigate back to the NPFL next season remains to be seen.
Read Also: Kate Odumoso’s Grit and Glory: Delta Sprinter Storms to 100m Gold at National Sports Festival
Remo Stars Reign; Rivers United and Abia Warriors Earn Continental Spots
While the relegation drama took centre stage, it’s worth celebrating the excellence of Remo Stars, who had already clinched the league title with three matches to spare. Rivers United and Abia Warriors also ended the season on a high note, securing continental qualification. Rivers edged Nasarawa United 2-1, while Abia Warriors, despite a 3-2 defeat to Ikorodu City, had done enough earlier in the season to qualify.
Ikorodu City’s Sweet Revenge
Ikorodu City missed out on continental football at the last hurdle but gave their fans something to cheer about by defeating Abia Warriors 3-2 in a five-goal thriller at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. The match may have had no stakes, but the performance was a statement of their ambition heading into next season.
Read Also: Chidera Ezeakor Clinches First National Title with 100m Gold at National Sports Festival
Shooting Stars and Bayelsa United Finish with a Bang
Elsewhere, Shooting Stars SC demolished Rangers International 5-1 in front of a jubilant home crowd in Ibadan, while Bayelsa United humbled league champions Remo Stars 3-0 in Yenagoa—a result that added flavor to an already wild final day.
Matchday 38 Full Results:
- Bayelsa United 3–0 Remo Stars
- El-Kanemi Warriors 1–0 Sunshine Stars
- Enyimba International 0–1 Plateau United
- Heartland FC 2–1 Akwa United
- Ikorodu City 3–2 Abia Warriors
- Katsina United 1–0 Kwara United
- Lobi Stars 2–1 Bendel Insurance
- Niger Tornadoes 3–2 Kano Pillars
- Rivers United 2–1 Nasarawa United
- Shooting Stars 5–1 Rangers International
Picture Credit: Ikorodu City FC Facebook Page
