Bayelsa United, Wikki Tourist Relegated as NPFL Title Race Goes to Final Day
Bayelsa United F.C. and Wikki Tourists F.C. have been relegated from the Nigeria Premier Football League following defeats in their Matchday 37 fixtures, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Bayelsa United suffered a 2-1 defeat to Remo Stars F.C. in Ikenne, while Wikki Tourist lost 3-2 at home to Rivers United F.C. after conceding two late goals.
Bayelsa United started brightly against Remo Stars and took the lead in the fifth minute through Ofem Nneoyi, who capitalised on a defensive mistake and the hosts’ high line before calmly slotting past the goalkeeper.
Remo Stars responded strongly and equalised four minutes before halftime when Alex Oyowah headed home from a well-delivered free kick. The comeback was completed in the 64th minute as experienced striker Victor Mbaoma swept the ball into the net for his 13th league goal of the season.
The defeat leaves Bayelsa United on 40 points, six points away from safety with only one game remaining, confirming the end of the Yenagoa club’s four-year stay in the NPFL.
Wikki Tourist also had their relegation confirmed despite taking the lead early in the second half through Imanu Bala. Rivers United, however, staged a dramatic late comeback to secure maximum points and send the Bauchi-based side back to the Nigeria National League after only one season in the top flight.
The victory kept Rivers United’s title hopes alive. Managed by Finidi George, the Port Harcourt side remains one point behind league leaders Rangers International F.C., who secured a 2-1 win over Bendel Insurance F.C. at the Cathedral Stadium.
With one round of fixtures remaining, the NPFL title race will now be decided on the final day of the season.
At the bottom of the table, Bayelsa United and Wikki Tourist remain on 40 points, while clubs including Abia Warriors F.C., Kwara United F.C., Enyimba International F.C., Warri Wolves F.C., Remo Stars, Kun Khalifat F.C., and Niger Tornadoes F.C. have moved clear of the relegation zone.
Matchday 37 Results
- Shooting Stars Sports Club 1-0 Barau F.C.
- El-Kanemi Warriors F.C. 0-0 Niger Tornadoes
- Kwara United 2-0 Enyimba
- Remo Stars 2-1 Bayelsa United
- Rangers International 2-1 Bendel Insurance
- Katsina United F.C. 4-1 Ikorodu City F.C.
- Wikki Tourist 2-3 Rivers United
- Abia Warriors 0-2 Kun Khalifat
- Kano Pillars F.C. 1-0 Warri Wolves
- Nasarawa United F.C. 1-0 Plateau United F.C.
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