The 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season ended with a flourish as late drama in Aba saw Enyimba clinch the CAF Confederation Cup ticket ahead of Shooting Stars who despite defeating Sporting Lagos 1-0, missed out eventually. Sporting, who lost that game, have dropped to the Nigeria National League
Champions Rangers capped off the season in style with a 2-1 away win in Jos against Gombe United while Bayelsa United escaped relegation with a 2-0 away win at Bendel Insurance.
Here is a review of how the final day went.
Rangers International coronated as league champions
Rangers International celebrated their league title win by defeating Gombe United 2-1 at the New Jos Stadium on the final day of the 2023/24 season.
The Enugu-based team, having already secured the league title in the penultimate game of the season, ensured they finished on a high note in Jos.
Two quick-fire goals by Kazeem Ogunleye and Godwin Obaje gave them the lead before Gombe's Anas Hassan pulled one back. Rangers concluded the season with a win and celebrated by receiving the trophy in Jos.
Akwa United avoid relegation with crucial win over Rivers United
Akwa United narrowly escaped relegation by defeating Rivers United 3-1 at the Nest of Champions.
Needing a win to guarantee safety regardless of other results, they started brightly, scoring twice in the first 15 minutes through Ubong Friday and Sani Suleiman.
Rivers United reduced the deficit in the 16th minute with Nyima Nwagua’s effort before Ubong Friday scored again from the penalty spot, securing a 3-1 victory and ensuring Akwa United's survival.
Kwara United thrash relegated Heartland
Kwara United ended their season in style by thrashing relegated Heartland 4-0 in Ilorin. Two goals in each half secured the win, with Wasiu Alalade and Emmanuel Ogbole scoring in the first half, followed by Mohammed Alao and Godwin Oshagbemi in the second half.
Niger Tornadoes secure NPFL status with win over Sunshine Stars
Niger Tornadoes ended their season with a 2-0 victory over Sunshine Stars, ensuring their stay in the NPFL for another season. Club top scorer Bashir Usman put them ahead in the 35th minute with a deft header, and Clinton Jephta added another in the 66th minute from a Godstime Joseph assist. Sunshine Stars scored a consolation goal late in the game through Nwafor.
Kano Pillars edge Lobi Stars in five-goal thriller
Kano Pillars and Lobi Stars played an entertaining match at the Sani Abacha Stadium, with Kano Pillars emerging victorious in a 3-2 win. Pillars raced to a 3-0 lead with a brace from Adam Musa and a goal from Nura Ibrahim. Lobi Stars fought back in the second half, with Victor Ekioke scoring twice, but they couldn't complete the comeback.
Remo Stars end Season with nervy win over Katsina United
Remo Stars concluded their season with a 2-1 victory over Katsina United in Ikenne. Super Eagles full-back Sodiq Ismail and Dayo Ojo scored for the Sky Blues, while Michael Ibe scored for Katsina United.
Sporting Lagos relegated after loss to Shooting Stars
In Ibadan, Sporting Lagos were relegated after a 1-0 defeat to Shooting Stars, with Christian Pyagbara’s 38th-minute goal sealing their fate.
Bayelsa United secure safety with win over Bendel Insurance
Bayelsa United ensured their safety with a 2-0 win away at Bendel Insurance. Mime Okike scored in the 4th minute, and Tekena Gando added another in the 31st minute, securing the victory and their NPFL status.
Enyimba clinch CAF Confederations Cup spot with late win over Plateau United
Enyimba left it late to secure a 2-0 win over Plateau United, confirming their spot in the CAF Confederations Cup.
With Shooting Stars leading Sporting Lagos, it seemed the Ibadan side would claim the ticket, but goals from Chijioke Mbaoma in the 78th minute and Alade Balogun ten minutes later ensured Enyimba's continental qualification.
Doma United relegated after draw with Abia Warriors
Doma United were relegated from the top flight in their maiden season after a 1-1 draw with Abia Warriors. Meme Okike scored for Abia Warriors at the Pantami Stadium, but Emmanuel Jesam equalized for Doma United, who now face a return to the NNL.
