NPFL Round-up: Sporting Lagos relegate, Rangers lift title, Akwa United survive

The 2023/2024 NPFL season officially came to a close today. The final Matchday 38 was one filled with several emotions for fans of different clubs, as Rangers lifted the League title while Sporting Lagos were condemned to relegation. Soccernet.ng brings a detailed report of the action across the local Nigerian league.

The final NPFL Matchday kicked off with Enugu Rangers lifting their 8th league title, cruising to a 2-1 victory over Gombe United despite playing away from home.

Akwa United confirmed their stay in the league by securing a 3-1 win over Rivers United. John Ubong broke the deadlock for the home side, and added another with six minutes left on the clock. Sani Suleiman added Akwa United’s third while Nwangwa Nyima pulled one back for Rivers.

Bendel Insurance were shell-shocked at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, falling to a 2-0 defeat against Bayelsa United while already relegated Doma United played a 1-1 draw against Abia Warriors.

Mbaoma Chijioke secured the league’s golden boot after breaking the deadlock for Enyimba in their clash against Plateau United. Alade Balogun added the second of the game for Finidi George’s former club.

Kano Pillars went three up against Lobi Stars inside fifty minutes, courtesy of a brace from Adamu Musa and a goal from Ibrahim Nura. A spirited second half saw Lobi pull two back, but Pillars did enough to seal all three points at home.

Kwara United cruised to a 4-0 win over already-relegated Heartland, while Niger Tornadoes came out on top in their clash against Sunshine Stars, winning 2-1.

Remo Stars sealed their second-place spot on the NPFL table, defeating Katsina United at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne. Super Eagles wing-back, Ismail Sodiq broke the deadlock before Dayo Ojo added the game’s second. Michael Okoro Ibe pulled one back for United, but it could only be a consolation for the northern side.

Dumte Pyagbara’s first-half goal was enough to seal all three points for Shooting Stars at the Lekan Salami stadium, condemning Sporting Lagos to relegation from the NPFL.