Super Eagles watch: Azeez brace, Akpom dreams EPL, heartbreak for Okonkwo in Championship finale

A number of Super Eagles and Nigeria-eligible stars were in action on the final day of the regular Championship season, Afrik-Foot reports.

There were playoff joy for some and heartbreak for others as a couple of Nigerians joined their clubs in securing promotion to the Premier League.

Wrexham 2-2 Middlesbrough: Okonkwo’s play-off dream slips away

It was a day full of noise, tension and heartbreak at the STōK Cae Ras, but in the end, Arthur Okonkwo and Wrexham fell just short of the Championship play-offs.

Wrexham knew victory would guarantee a place in the top six and fans believed this could be the final step in an incredible journey towards the Premier League.

But the game started in the worst possible way. Middlesbrough struck early in the 4th minute when Tommy Conway finished calmly to silence the home crowd.

Wrexham, though, responded well. In the 28th minute, Josh Windass produced a moment of magic, curling a long-range free kick into the net to make it 1-1. That goal lifted the stadium and gave the players fresh belief.

The turnaround was complete just before half-time. In the 41st minute, Sam Smith rose highest to head home a cross from Issa Kaboré. For a brief moment, Wrexham were inside the play-off places.

But football can be cruel. Just minutes later, Middlesbrough equalised. David Strelec finished from close range after a cross by Matt Targett, making it 2-2 before the break.

The second half was tense. Wrexham pushed forward again and again, knowing one goal could change everything. Late on, Kieffer Moore had a big chance, but his effort flew over the bar. That miss proved costly.

The final whistle confirmed the disappointment. Wrexham finished 7th with 71 points. Hull City, who beat Norwich 2-1, claimed the final play-off spot with 73 points.

Okonkwo, who watched from the bench, could only look on as the dream slipped away. The draw was enough for Middlesbrough to secure 5th place and set up a play-off clash with Southampton.

Derby County 1-2 Sheffield United: Ozoh’s strong display ends in pain

At Pride Park, there was more heartbreak for another Nigeria-eligible player, David Ozoh. Derby County entered the final day with hopes of sneaking into the play-offs, but they needed both a win and help from other results.

They started perfectly. In the 5th minute, Sammie Szmodics scored to give Derby a 1-0 lead. For a moment, it looked like everything was falling into place.

Ozoh played a key role in midfield. The young Crystal Palace loanee showed strength and composure, controlling the tempo and helping Derby push forward. He nearly scored himself when he met a pass from Szmodics, but his effort was blocked. Later in the game, Ozoh created another chance, setting up Max Johnston for a long-range shot that just missed the top corner.

However, the turning point came in the second half. Sheffield United equalised in the 62nd minute through Thomas Cannon, who took advantage of a defensive lapse.

Then came the decisive moment. In the 69th minute, Sydie Peck struck from outside the box after a pass from Gustavo Hamer. The ball flew past the goalkeeper, and Derby’s hopes began to fade.

Ozoh had been substituted in the 68th minute, just before the winning goal. His departure weakened Derby’s midfield presence at a crucial time.

The match ended 2-1 to Sheffield United. Combined with Hull City’s victory elsewhere, Derby finished 8th on 69 points, missing out on the play-offs by four points.

Ipswich Town 3-0 QPR: Akpom celebrates Premier League return

While some players suffered heartbreak, Chuba Akpom had reason to celebrate as Ipswich Town secured promotion to the Premier League with a convincing 3-0 win over QPR at Portman Road.

Super Eagles hopeful Akpom did not play, remaining an unused substitute, but he was still part of a historic day for the club.

Ipswich started fast. In the 3rd minute, George Hirst opened the scoring, finishing confidently to settle any early nerves. Just six minutes later, Jaden Philogene made it 2-0, putting Ipswich firmly in control. Late in the game, Kasey McAteer added a third goal in the 85th minute, sealing the result and sparking wild celebrations inside the stadium.

The victory confirmed Ipswich’s place in the Premier League. They finished 2nd with 84 points, holding off a late challenge from Millwall.

Rhe promotion has a personal reward for Super Eagles hopeful Akpom. His loan move from Ajax included a clause that makes the transfer permanent if Ipswich go up. That condition has now been met, meaning the former Arsenal lad will be a Premier League player next season.

Even though his role this season was limited, often playing behind Hirst, Akpom now has the chance to prove himself again in England’s top flight.

Millwall 2-0 Oxford United: Azeez signs off with a statement

Femi Azeez produced one of the standout performances of the final day, scoring twice as Millwall beat Oxford United 2-0.

The winger, who is on the radar of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, netted his first goal in the opening half and added a second after the break, sealing the win for the home team. The brace took his season tally to 11 goals and eight assists in 34 league games.

Having recently committed his international future to Nigeria, Azeez is now pushing strongly for a Super Eagles call-up. His pace, creativity and versatility make him a valuable option in wide areas. With the Unity Cup approaching, this performance could not have come at a better time.

Watford 0-4 Coventry City: Super Eagles’ Onyeka part of historic title win

At Vicarage Road, Coventry City ended their season in style, thrashing Watford 4-0 to confirm their status as Championship champions.

Frank Onyeka did not feature in the match, but he remained part of a squad that has made history.

Ellis Simms was the star on the day, scoring a hat-trick, as Coventry dominated from start to finish.

Coventry finished with 95 points, the highest in their history. They also recorded 28 wins and scored 97 goals, both club records for a Championship campaign. Most importantly, they secured promotion to the Premier League for the first time in 20 years.