The fight to escape relegation is getting more intense as the 2024–2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season draws to a close. After match-day 36, Sunshine Stars and Akwa United are both now in the relegation zone.
Sunshine Stars had a difficult NPFL game in Ibadan, losing to Shooting Stars by a slim margin of 1-0.
After a fierce battle, coach Abubakar Bala’s team held their opponents to a goalless draw until Ikouwem Utin’s vital penalty kick in the 88th minute.
The Stars, who now sit in 19th position with 41 points on the NPFL table, had a difficult game.
They will play the Niger Tornadoes, another relegation challenger, at the Akure Township stadium on Sunday in a crucial matchup.
Both teams will need to win this game in order to stay in the league, as there are just four points separating them.
at the meantime, the Abia Warriors and Niger Tornadoes were able to draw 1-1 at Minna.
Mohammed Hussaini’s first goal in the 50th minute was equalized late in the game by Emmanuel Iwu, giving the Warriors a point and preserving the Tornadoes’ hopes of playing in the continental tournament.
Akwa United suffered a defeat at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Edo State after losing 1-0 to Bendel Insurance.
In the 55th minute, Meyiwa Oritseweyinmi scored the game-winning goal that gave Benin Arsenal a much-needed win and made it more difficult for Akwa United to avoid relegation, their 17th loss of the year.
In other matches, Remo Stars, the recent champions, unexpectedly lost to El Kanemi Warriors 2-0 in Maiduguri.
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Thanks to a late goal by Samson Obi in the first half, Rivers United narrowly defeated Rangers International of Enugu in an entertaining, well-publicized match.
Ikorodu City’s Wednesday night match against Bayelsa United in Lagos was a beautiful one. With the Lagos-based team winning 3-2 in the NPFL match, Ikorodu City is now in fourth place in the league standings.
