Enyimba FC of Aba yesterday won their seventh Nigeria Premier League title with 70 points after an entertaining goalless draw against Sunshine Stars of Akure in Lagos, denying the Akure gunners’ continental ticket.
The result gave Nasarawa United a surprised third continental ticket as they emerged the better side in the game against Giwa FC in Lafia.
The game in Lafia was stalemated after the hosts took a two goals lead from Ugochukwu Leonard in the 9th minute and Philip Auta in the 27th minute before Giwa walked out of the match after 32minutes of play, following the expulsion of two of its players.
Amos Gyang was sent off for slapping one of the ball boys and goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo also got the marching order for misconduct, an action the Jos team kicked.
With the advantage, Nasarawa pocketed three points to take its total haul to 63 points and a ticket to campaign in the continent next year.
Nasarawa picked 5he ticket ahead of Wikki Tourist and Giwa FC with goal difference as they all ended the season 63 points each.
On the other hand, Wikki Tourists’ 2-0 victory over Kano Pillars was not enough to earn them a continental ticket.
It was celebration galore in Uyo as Akwa United escaped the drop with a lone goal victory against Lobi stars, courtesy of Afeez Awakan strike in the 21st minute of the encounter. Dolphins also escaped the drop after a 2-2 draw against Shooting Stars FC in Ibadan. Shooting took the lead in the 21st minute with a spot kick taken by Tope Orelope but a brace by Ifeanyi Egwim in the 72nd and 74th minutes gave the Rivers side the lead but Cletus Itodo scored the equaliser for the Ibadan side in the extra time of the game.
The other Port Harcourt side Sharks were not lucky to escape the drop as they lost 0-1 to Abia Warriors and ended the season with 45 points but goal difference gave Dolphins the advantage to survive.
Kwara United, who won 2-0 against FC were also relegated to the lower ranks of the league with FC Taraba and Bayelsa United FC. In Enugu Rangers defeated Bayelsa United 3, Heartland sent home El-Kanemi empty handed with a 2-1 score line and the game between Warri Wolves w and FC Taraba was shifted to this morning because of heavy downpour yesterday.
