… as Enyimba, Lobi secure play-off spots
Champions Lobi Stars and Enyimba secured play-off spots on the final day of the regular season in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) on Sunday.
Lobi Stars and Enyimba joined Enugu Rangers as the three teams that picked the play-off tickets from Group A.
FC IfeanyiUbah will also compete in the NPFL title play-off after emerging from Group B alongside Akwa United and Kano Pillars.
Lobi Stars finished in second position in Group A after they were held to a 0-0 draw by already relegated Remo Stars at the Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu.
At the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Enyimba lost 2-1 to Kastina United, but finished in third position.
The result also meant Katsina United will play in the NPFL next season after escaping the drop.
Martins Usule and Tasiu Lawal were on target for the home team in the game, while Chinedu Udechukwu who once featured for Katsina United scored Enyimba’s only goal of the game.
In Akure, Sunshine Stars maintained their top flight status and ended MFM ‘s hopes of securing a play-off place with a 4-2 win.
Dare Ojo scored twice from the spot for Sunshine Stars while Anthony Omaka also netted twice for the Owena Waves. Abiodun Alade and Chijoke Akuneto were the goal scorers for MFM.
Rivers United sent Bendel Insurance back to the Nigeria National League (NNL) edging their contest 1-0 at the Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt.
Konan Ruffin scored the decisive goal from the spot 13 minutes from time.
Kwara United were also relegated despite a 1-0 away win against Niger Tornadoes in Minna.
Afeez Nosir netted the only goal of the game five minutes before the break.
In NPFL Group B, FC IfeanyiUbah sealed their title play-off spot with a hard fought 2-1 win against Akwa United in Nnewi.
Chijoke Alakwe put the home team ahead in the 31st minute, while Christian Nnaji added the second 11 minutes of time.
Ocheme Edoh reduced the deficit three minutes from time.
Heartland escaped the drop following a 2-0 win against El-Kanemi Warriors at the Okigwe Township Stadium with Chukwudi Nwaodu and Uche Oguchi getting the goals.
El-Kanemi Warriors were relegated to the NNL following the defeat.
Nasarawa United missed out on a play-off spot despite recording a 2-1 away win against Yobe Desert Stars.
Sunusi Ibrahim bagged a brace for Nasarawa United in the encounter. He is now levelled on the top scorer ‘ s chart (10 goals) with Akwa United forward Mfon Udoh.
Adamu Ali scored Yobe Desert Stars only goal of the game.
In Umuahia, Abia Warriors retained their NPFL status after thrashing Kano Pillars 3-0 with Tunde Abdulsalami, Samson Obi and Emeka Isaac scoring for the home team.
Gombe United beat Go Round 1-0 in Omoku with both teams going down.
Adamu Mohammed got the goal in the ninth minute.
Delta Force and Plateau United battled to a 0-0 draw in Asaba with both teams escaping the drop.
GROUP A
NPFL Play-off Teams
1.Rangers International
2.Lobi Stars
3.Enyimba International
Relegated Teams
9.Bendel Insurance
10.Kwara United
11.Niger Tornadoes
12.Remo Stars
GROUP B
NPFL Play-off Teams
1.Akwa United
2.Kano Pillars
3.FC Ifeanyi Ubah
Relegated Teams
9. Gombe United
10.Elkanemi Warriors
11.Go Round FC
12.Yobe Desert Stars
