Heartland FC and Akwa United have joined Sunshine Stars and Lobi Stars as the four teams relegated to the Nigeria National League (NNL) following the conclusion of Matchday 38 in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Sunday, May 25.
Heartland, a former champions, suffered a 2-1 defeat to a fellow relegation candidate at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, finishing the season with 48 points—one point adrift of El-Kanemi Warriors, who secured a 1-0 victory over the already relegated Sunshine Stars in Maiduguri.
Akwa United ended the season stagnant at 44 points after their defeat in Owerri, while Sunshine Stars finished 19th in the standings with 41 points, just above Lobi Stars, who occupied the bottom spot with a meagre 28 points.
Remo Stars have already been crowned champions with 71 points, despite enduring a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Bayelsa United. Rivers United secured the second spot with 64 points after overcoming Nasarawa United 2-1.
Abia Warriors clinched third place and the final continental slot, despite losing 3-2 to rivals Ikorodu City in a thrilling match. The two clubs concluded the season with 60 points and 59 points respectively.
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars, playing in front of empty stands, inflicted a heavy 5-1 defeat on cup holders Rangers International, although neither team was in contention for any accolades. They finished in 8th and 10th positions, respectively.
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