The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season is reaching its climax, and the relegation battle is intensifying. Sunshine Stars and Akwa United, both struggling to avoid relegation, suffered defeats in the latest round of fixtures. Sunshine Stars were beaten 1-0 by Shooting Stars at Ibadan, while Akwa United lost 1-0 to Bendel Insurance.
Sunshine Stars’ Relegation Fears Deepen
Sunshine Stars’ defeat at Ibadan was courtesy of a penalty converted by Ikouwem Utin in the 88th minute. The Akure-based outfit had held their hosts to a goalless stalemate until the late strike, which condemned them to their 17th league loss of the campaign. The loss means Sunshine Stars occupy the 19th position on the NPFL table with 41 points.
Crucial Match Against Niger Tornadoes
Sunshine Stars take on fellow relegation battlers Niger Tornadoes next at the Akure Township stadium on Sunday. Four points separate both teams, and a win for either side will be crucial in the race to avoid the drop. Niger Tornadoes, on the other hand, managed a 1-1 draw against Abia Warriors in Minna. Mohammed Hussaini had given Tornadoes the lead in the 50th minute, but Emmanuel Iwu levelled for Abia Warriors late on.
Akwa United’s Relegation Hopes Fade
Akwa United’s 1-0 defeat to Bendel Insurance at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium was a dent in their hopes of avoiding relegation. Meyiwa Oritseweyinmi scored the only goal in the 55th minute to hand the Benin Arsenal all three points. The win boosts Bendel Insurance’ slim chances of featuring on the continent, while condemning Akwa United to a 17th defeat of the season.
Other Results
In other matches, newly-crowned champions Remo Stars stumbled to a 2-0 defeat away to El Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri. Rivers United pipped Rangers International of Enugu 1-0, with Samson Obi netting the winning effort on the stroke of half-time.
Conclusion
The relegation battle in the NPFL is heating up, with Sunshine Stars and Akwa United facing crucial matches in their quest to avoid the drop. The outcome of these matches will determine which teams will be relegated to a lower division.