5 big losers after NPFL week 37 matches

There was an overflow of mixed emotions in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) as the week 37 matches played on Sunday, May 11, threw up both celebratory moments and excruciating pain for the teeming fans of the clubs. While Remo Stars recorded a massive 4-1 win against Ikorodu City on their day of coronation […]

There was an overflow of mixed emotions in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) as the week 37 matches played on Sunday, May 11, threw up both celebratory moments and excruciating pain for the teeming fans of the clubs.

While Remo Stars recorded a massive 4-1 win against Ikorodu City on their day of coronation as Champions of the NPFL for the first time in their 15 years sojourn in the Nigerian topflight, there was wailing and gnashing of teeth for some clubs who either suffered relegation or were denied opportunity to play continental football next season.

Interestingly, Ogun State produced a contrasting mixture of joy and sadness as Ikenne the home of Remo Stars celebrated a historic victory, while Sunshine Stars got relegated at their adopted home ground Dipo Dina International Stadium in Ijebu-Ode.

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With one round of matches remaining, Daily Trust takes a look at the five clubs that suffered costly losses at the conclusion of the week 37 matches.

Sunshine Stars

The ‘Akure gunners’ recorded the biggest loss as they were finally relegated to the lower division of Nigerian professional football after a painful 1-2 defeat to Niger Tornadoes in Ijebu-Ode.

Victory for Sunshine Stars would have taken them to 44 points and a chance to survive if they manage to secure victory in the last match at El-Kanemi Warriors. Unfortunately, they faltered and were relegated after 18 years in the Nigerian topflight.

Meanwhile, Tornadoes with the crucial away win, their fifth of the campaign, moved to safety with one last home match against Kano Pillars.

Ikorodu City

The NPFL debutants also experienced a big loss as their dream of a continental ticket evaporated into thin air after the scandalous loss at Remo Stars.

Before the week 37 match, only a point separated Abia Warriors in third place from Ikorodu City, promoting optimism for a possible top three finish for the ‘Oga boys.’

Sadly, City capitulated at the most critical moment, losing 1-4 to champions Remo Stars, on the same day that Abia Warriors defeated El-Kanemi Warriors 2-1 to secure a continental ticket.

Ikorodu City are effectively out of contention for a continental ticket from the league but all hope isn’t lost as they will fancy their chances in the Federation Cup where a semi-final date with giant killers Abakaliki FC awaits them.

If they scale the semi-final hurdle to reach the final against either Rangers or Kwara United, Ikorodu City might go on to make history by winning the Federation Cup trophy and the remaining Confederation Cup ticket.

Enyimba

Nigeria’s most successful club side, Enyimba were pushing hard for the once available Confederation Cup ticket but the 2-3 defeat at Nasarawa United put paid to their aspiration. Even if they win their last home match against Plateau United, the ‘Peoples elephants’ would only finish in a decent position on the table. They had also suffered an early exit from the Federation Cup, meaning there would be no continental football for them next season.

Heartland

The ‘Naze millionaires’ who are romancing another relegation in two seasons, had their woes compounded after a slim 0-1 loss to Bendel Insurance. Victory for the Coach Emmanuel Amuneke led side would have lifted them above the 17th position they occupy presently, but the loss in Benin City left them with only a faint hope of survival as they welcome another relegation troubled team, Akwa United, in their last match of the season.

However, a win for Heartland against Akwa United would consign the ‘Promise keepers’ to relegation and spell doom for other clubs like Katsina United and El-Kanemi Warriors, who are within a touching distance of the ‘millionaires.’

El-Kanemi Warriors

The 1-2 loss on Sunday to Abia Warriors who revenged the 0-2 loss in the 2024 Federation Cup final, only worsened El-Kanemi Warriors plight as they must beat already relegated Sunshine Stars to remain in the topflight.

However, considering that both El-Kanemi Warriors and Katsina United will be playing their last matches at home, it is Heartland that is faced with a higher risk of relegation.

Meanwhile, Rivers United’s 1-3 loss at Kwara United threw open the race for the second Champions League slot as Abia Warriors in third place can leapfrog the ‘Pride of Rivers,’ if they draw or fail to beat Nasarawa United at home.

It will be recalled that both Rivers United and Abia Warriors have booked their continental tickets already. Therefore, their last matches can be considered as classification fixtures.