The 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League season ended in dramatic style on Sunday, as Heartland and Akwa United were officially relegated despite a 2–1 win for the Naze Millionaires over their visitors in Owerri,
The final day encounter between the two former champions turned out to be a battle for survival but neither could win in the end, as results elsewhere consigned both teams to relegation
Heartland came into the clash needing not only a win but favourable outcomes in other fixtures to stand a chance. Akwa United, likewise, were desperate to avoid the drop just four years after lifting the league title.
With tension high at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, it was the hosts who struck first in the 22nd minute through Isaac Nassy, before Daniel Ekpo doubled their lead midway through the second half. Chisom Orji’s 83rd-minute reply for the Promise Keepers proved to be too little too late.
Despite sealing all three points, Heartland’s victory was rendered meaningless by El-Kanemi Warriors’ late 1–0 win over Sunshine Stars in Maiduguri, a result that lifted the Desert Warriors out of danger and ensured the Naze Millionaires finished in 17th place with 48 points, just one short of safety.
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Akwa United, on their part, remain rooted to 18th on the log with 44 points, their fate sealed by a poor second half of the campaign while Heartland became the first club in NPFL history to suffer consecutive relegations, having stayed up last season only due to the ineligibility of Beyond Limits FA.
Sunshine Stars finished below them in the drop zone despite a valiant fight towards the end of the season. Their 1–0 defeat to El-Kanemi Warriors confirmed their relegation, finishing 19th with just 41 points as Lobi Stars ended 20th.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
