NPFL: Enyimba aims to win in Akure, Rivers matches to be rescheduled, Jigawa others relegated from NNL

Enyimba head coach Finidi George is looking for the maximum as plays against Sunshine Stars in Sunday’s match-day 31 clash at the Akure Township Stadium.

“The team is aware of what is at stake on Sunday. We will approach the match with all seriousness. We want to win it by playing good football,” the former Real Betis star said in a post on Enyimba’s official Instagram page on Thursday.

A win for Enyimba will see them level up on points with Rangers should the Flying Antelopes falter in their arduous trip to Rivers United on Sunday, while a win for Sunshine takes them farther away from the dreaded relegation zone.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Premier Football League will take a break from Sunday, April 28, after match-day 32, to allow 2022 champions, Rivers United, to complete their six outstanding matches, which piled up as a result of their involvement in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Secretary, of NPFL Club Owners Association and chairman of Sporting Lagos, Godwin Enakhena, confirmed the decision on Thursday, adding that it was in the best interest of the league.

“The decision to suspend other matches to allow Rivers United to play their outstanding games was made by the league managers and we are all in support. The club owners didn’t have to press that because it was the right thing to do and it was done. Don’t forget that this is the crucial stage of the league,” Enakhena told Punch.

Elsewhere, Jigawa Golden Stars, City FC, and Mailantarki FC have been relegated from the Nigeria National League.

The three clubs finished in the last three positions in the NNL Group D.

The relegated teams will play in the Nigeria Nationwide League One next season.

Sokoto United finished top of the group with 23 points, while Sporting Supreme came second with 22 points.

The two teams will play in the NNL Super Eight playoffs.

The winner of the playoffs will be crowned the 2024 NNL champions.

Four teams will secure promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League from the NNL.