Zamfara, Plateau & Ocean in final relegation battles

Although Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH FC and Crown Ogbomosho’s relegation to the lower division is now history, there is a glimmer of hope for Zamfara United which is equally sitting precariously on the table. Consequently, as the league ends today, Ocean Boys on 44 points will be away to Zamfara United which needs to […]

Although Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH FC and Crown Ogbomosho’s relegation to the lower division is now history, there is a glimmer of hope for Zamfara United which is equally sitting precariously on the table.

Consequently, as the league ends today, Ocean Boys on 44 points will be away to Zamfara United which needs to win to stand a chance of surviving in case Plateau United slips at home against Heartland FC.

With 39 points in its kitty, a win for Zamfara United will see them escaping relegation with 42 points but that is if the reigning Federation Cup Champions, Heartland keeps Plateau United on 41 points.

If Heartland wins, Plateau United would end with 41 points but if the match ends in a draw, and Zamfara wins, the team with the superior goals difference between Zamfara and Plateau United would swim out of relegation.

Ocean Boys appear a bit safe but the club from Brass must avoid a defeat today as a win for Plateau United at home would portend danger for it in the relegation fight.

The worst Ocean Boys would fight for is a draw against Zamfara but even that is not going to be easy as the Gusau club is also thinking of surviving the drop.

However, if Plateau United, Ocean Boys win their matches and 3SC also on 44 points with Ocean Boys slips at home against Lobi Stars, the Ibadan club would be dragged deep into relegation troubles.

A defeat for 3SC and a convincing home win for Plateau United will mean the two clubs will slug it out on goals difference just as victory for Ocean in Gusau will take them out of relegation and seals Zamfara’s relegation.

There will be no compromise in the match involving Zamfara United and Ocean Boys but the other fixtures between Lobi and 3SC and the one between Plateau United and Heartland can be played with laxity.

Lobi can take it easy against 3SC without any consequences just as Heartland FC with a continental ticket in its kitty may take things easy against Plateau United.