Today, the curtains finally fell on an eventful 2023/2024 season of the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) with nine games going down concurrently across the country.
It's a wrap for #NPFL24
— NPFL (@NigeriaPFL) June 23, 2024
3️⃣8️⃣ matchweeks ✅ pic.twitter.com/lz6gVpn89i
With Rangers already pronounced champions last weekend, there were only battles for continental slots and the dreaded relegation dogfight.
The newly-crowned champions got the final day going with an early kick-off against already relegated Gombe United in Jos.
Watched by Enugu Governor Peter Mbah and captained by CEO Amobi Ezeaku, ‘The Flying Antelopes’ won 2-1 to end the season on 70 points from 38 matches.
They received a record prize money of 150 Million Naira.
Sporting Lagos were confirmed relegated after a 1-0 loss at their South Western neigbours Shooting Stars in Ibadan.
Christian Pyagbara got his 10th league goal, which proved to be the match winner.
Rangers International – Champions. Confirmed!#NPFLonStarTimes #NPFL #NPFL24 #RangersInternational pic.twitter.com/JjHJYrRyCL
— StarTimes Nigeria (@StarTimes_Ng) June 23, 2024
Doma United will also be playing in the second-tier NNL next season along with Sporting Lagos, Heartland and Gombe United after a 1-1 draw with Abia Warriors.
They finished in 18th position with 44 points.
Enyimba secured the third continental slot following their comfortable 2-0 victory over Plateau United in Aba to ensure that Shooting Stars have to prolong their search for continental football into next season.
Striker Chijioke Mbaoma fired his 17th goal of the season to finish as the league top scorer.
It was also the last game for Super Eagles goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo in Enyimba colours as he is headed for Sudanese giants Al Merreikh.
In other results, Rivers United lost 3-1 at Akwa United, but still remain eighth on the table as Remo Stars finished second, five points off champions Enugu Rangers, courtesy of their 2-1 home win over Katsina United.
Remo Stars will feature in the CAF Champions again along with Rangers.
The final standings
— NPFL (@NigeriaPFL) June 23, 2024
🥇 Rangers 🏆 + N150m + #CAFCL
🥈 Remo Stars #CAFCL
🥉 Enyimba #CAFCC
RELEGATED
Sporting Lagos
Doma Utd
Heartland
Gombe Utd#NPFL24 pic.twitter.com/ilCbkdiQKt
Bayelsa United ensured safety after a 2-0 win over the ‘Benin Arsenal’ Bendel Insurance and Sunshine Stars suffered an inconsequential shock loss Niger Tornadoes which would either ways not affect their league status.
In the biggest win of this matchday, Kwara United walloped Heartland 4-0 to at least end the season on a positive goal difference and place 13th.
By Aboluwade God’s Treasure AGT
