Sports247 brings you the breakdown of matches on the final matchday of the 2018/19 season, with a total of six teams making it to the playoff while eight teams were relegated from the abridged version of the league.
Katsina 2-1 Enyimba
The Peoples Elephant secured the last playoff spot in Group A despite losing to their hosts. Martins Ebuka’s 35th-minute effort and Tasiu Lawal’s strike in the 68th minute from the spot gave the hosts a two-goal advantage before former Katsina United striker Chinedu Udechukwu reduced the deficit in the 90th minute.
Niger Tornadoes 0-1 Kwara United
The Harmony Boys were relegated from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) despite securing their first away victory of the season at already relegated Niger Tornadoes.
Midfielder Nasiru Afeez scored the only goal of the game in the 38th minute.
United finish tenth on the log with 27 points while Tornadoes were a step below them with 21 points.
Rivers United 1-0 Bendel Insurance
After a goalless 45 minutes at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers United took the lead through Konan Ruffin’s effort from the penalty spot to avoid the drop.
With the defeat, Insurance dropped to the last relegation spot in Group A with 28 points.
Sunshine Stars 4-2 MFM
The Akure Gunners secured their stay in the league with an emphatic 4-2 victory over Lagos-based side MFM FC.
Dayo Ojo scored a hattrick in the game, with two of the goals coming from the spot, while Alade Balogun and Chijioke Akuneto scored for the Olukoya Boys.
MFM missed out on the playoff spot with a point behind Enyimba – who occupy the last playoff spot while Kabiru Dogo’s side remains in the NPFL, finishing in eight positions with 29 points.
Wikki Tourist 1-0 Enugu Rangers
Manu Garba’s effort two minutes after the hour mark ensured Wikki Tourist remain in the league despite playing their home games in Gombe.
Wikki finished in the seventh position with 30 points while Rangers topped the Group A log with 40 points.
Remo Stars 0-0 Lobi Stats
Lobi Stars played a goalless draw against already relegated Remo Stars in Shagamu.
Despite the draw, the Makurdi-based side qualified for the Super 6 playoff after finishing second with 35 points.
Abia Warriors 3-0 Kano Pillars
Abia Warriors secured their NPFL status despite spending most of the season in the danger zone. Goals from Salam Atilola, Obi Samson and Issac Emeka saw them dispatch​ Kano Pillars.
Go Round FC 0-1 Gombe United
Gombe United secured a 1-nil victory away in Omuko courtesy Muhammad’s strike in the ninth minute. The win was however not enough to save their NPFL status.
Gombe United finished ninth on the log with 30 points, levelled on points with Plateau United who edged them on goal difference.
Heartland 2-0 El-Kanemi
El-Kanemi Warriors lost 2-0 to Heartland on the last day of the regular season to confirm their participation in the lower division next season.
A run of six matches without a win saw the Maiduguri-based side drop into the danger zone and eventually relegated.
Ifeanyi Ubah 2-1 Akwa United
FC Ifeanyi Ubah secured their place in the playoff with a slim 2-1 victory over Group B leaders Akwa United.
The hosts opened the scoring through Chijoke’s 31st-minute strike before Christian Nnaji doubled the team advantage with eleven minutes remaining. Ocheme Udoh scored Akwa’s consolation late in the game.
Ifeanyi Ubah finished third on the log with 36 points behind Kano Pillars and Akwa United.
Delta Force 0-0 Plateau United
Plateau United secured a vital point away from home to ensure their stay in the league for one more season.
The visitors who were without Flying Eagles assistant coach, Abdul Maikaba – due to his participation at the U20 World Cup – narrowly escaped relegation on goal difference.
Yobe Desert Stars 1-2 Nasarawa United
Despite securing a victory against already relegated Yobe Desert Stars, the Lafia-based side still missed out on the playoff spot.
Ibrahim Sunusi scored a double to end the season as joint top scorer with Akwa United’s Mfon Udoh. The sharp-shooter scored 10 goals and provided eight assists in the league this season.
Meanwhile, Nasarawa United finished the season fourth on the log with 33 points, three points less than third-placed Ifeanyi Ubah.
MATCHDAY 22 RESULTS
Sunshine 4-2 MFM
Wikki 1-0 Rangers
Katsina Utd 2-1 Enyimba
Tornadoes 0-1 Kwara United
Remo Stars 0-0 Lobi
Rivers United 1-0 Insurance
Yobe Stars 1-2 Nasarawa
Abia Warriors 3-0 Kano Pillars
Heartland 2-0 El-Kanemi
Delta Force 0-0 Plateau United
Go-Round 0-1 Gombe United
FCIU 2-1 Akwa United
