Kano Pillars, Katsina United and Heartland today all headed back to the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) alongside Sporting Lagos.
Pillars fell 1-0 to Northwest rivals Katsina United to ensure both teams booked their promotion tickets on six points each.
Pillars skipper Rabiu Ali was sent off for an altercation.
EFCC of Abuja, who stunned Katsina United 1-0 in a Northern Conference playoff clash, failed to make the big leap to the top flight after they lost 3-0 to DMD.
Heartland also left it late till today to regain their place in the top league with a 2-1 win over Sporting Lagos, who had earlier won promotion after two straight wins over Stormers and FC One Rocket.
