Wikki Tourist and Bayelsa United have been relegated from the Nigeria Premier Football League following defeats on matchday 37. Bayelsa United lost 2-1 to Remo Stars at the Stade Omnisport Ishagaorojo in Ikenne. Ofem Nneoyi opened the scoring in the fifth minute, exploiting a high defensive line and a lapse in concentration to finish calmly. Remo Stars equalized in the 41st minute when Alex Oyowah headed in from a free-kick. Victor Mbaoma scored the winner in the 64th minute, his 13th league goal of the season, sealing Bayelsa United's fate. The Yenagoa-based club ends its four-year stay in the top flight with 40 points, six behind the safety mark with one game remaining.
At the Abubakar Talba Stadium in Bauchi, Wikki Tourist fell 3-2 to Rivers United despite briefly leading in the second half. Imanu Bala put the hosts ahead in the 49th minute, but Rivers United hit back with two late goals to complete the turnaround. The result confirms Wikki Tourist's return to the Nigeria National League after just one season in the NPFL. The victory keeps Rivers United's title hopes alive as they trail Enugu Rangers by one point heading into the final matchday. Enugu Rangers maintained their lead at the summit with a 2-1 win over Bendel Insurance at the Cathedral Stadium.
Elsewhere, Abia Warriors lost 2-0 to Abubakar Talba El-Kanemi Warriors, who drew 0-0 with Niger Tornadoes. Kano Pillars edged Warri Wolves 1-0, while Katsina United thrashed Ikorodu City 4-1. Kwara United defeated Enyimba FC 2-0, Nasarawa United beat Plateau United 1-0, and Shooting Stars won 1-0 against Barau FC.
Bayelsa United took an early lead but could not hold on, finishing six points from safety despite Nneoyi's fifth-minute opener. Their relegation after four seasons reflects a collapse in consistency when survival demanded sustained performance. Wikki Tourist's one-season stay ended the same way — with a lead squandered and late goals conceded. Neither team managed the resilience needed, exposing the cost of defensive lapses at critical moments.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
