NPFL: Battle for the winner still fierce as Bayelsa United and Wikki Tourists are relegated
The battle for the Nigeria Premier Football League title will go down to the final day of the season after Enugu Rangers held on to top spot, while Bayelsa United and Wikki Tourists were officially relegated following dramatic Matchday 37 results.
Rangers maintained their slim advantage at the summit with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Bendel Insurance in Enugu to move to 65 points from 37 matches.
But Rivers United stays in the hunt after a thrilling 3-2 away victory against Wikki Tourists in Bauchi.
The win took Rivers United to 64 points, just one behind Rangers, while confirming Wikki’s drop from the top flight.
The championship will now be decided on the final day on May 24, with Rangers facing a daunting away trip to fourth-placed Ikorodu City, while Rivers United will host Katsina United in Port Harcourt.
Ikorodu City, on 58 points, are also chasing a continental ticket and will hope to capitalise on home advantage against Rangers.
Their ambitions could be boosted if third-placed Shooting Stars, who sit on 60 points, stumble away to relegation-threatened Niger Tornadoes.
At the other end of the table, the relegation fight remains wide open heading into the final round of fixtures.
Warri Wolves slipped deeper into danger after suffering a narrow defeat to Kano Pillars, while Niger Tornadoes battled to a goalless draw against El Kanemi Warriors.
Tornadoes are currently on 45 points, with Warri Wolves, Remo Stars, Enyimba and Kun Khalifat all tied on 46 points. El Kanemi Warriors, Plateau United and Kwara United are on 47 points and still not mathematically safe.
Bayelsa United’s fate was sealed after a 2-1 defeat away to Remo Stars, joining Wikki Tourists in dropping to the lower division.
With the title, continental spots and survival all still hanging in the balance, the final day promises a finish to the NPFL season.
