Enugu Rangers have emerged victorious in the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League. However, the fate of four clubs – Sporting Lagos, Akwa United, Bayelsa United, and Doma United – hangs in the balance as they struggle in fierce relegation battles in the final round of matches next week, according to reports from PUNCH Sports Extra.
Despite securing a hard-earned 2-1 victory against Enyimba at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Sunday, Sporting Lagos, the beloved team of Lagos, find themselves deeply entrenched in the relegation zone in 17th place with 46 points. They face a challenging showdown in their upcoming match against 3SC, who are competing for a continental ticket, at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.
Jonathan Alukwu’s last-minute goal secured the win against Enyimba, but their defeat at home to Plateau United during the week might seal their fate if they end up being relegated.
Former champions Akwa United are level on points with Sporting Lagos (46) but sit above the drop zone due to goal difference.
To ensure their safety, the Promise Keepers must triumph over Rivers United in their final game of the season at home and hope for favorable outcomes in other crucial matches involving struggling teams.
Bayelsa United have shown resilience in their recent four matches, including a crucial draw against Enyimba midweek followed by a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over 3SC in Yenagoa on Sunday.
They currently occupy two positions above the relegation zone with just one point more than Sporting Lagos and Akwa United. However, their upcoming challenge against Bendel Insurance in Benin could jeopardize their status if other struggling teams secure maximum points in their fixtures.
Despite initially being in the top three at the halfway mark of the season, Doma United now find themselves rooted at 18th with 43 points. If the Savannah Tigers aim to remain in the NPFL for their third consecutive season, they must defeat Abia Warriors by a significant goal margin and hope it is sufficient to avoid relegation, as their fate is not entirely within their control.
Former champions Heartland and Gombe United have already suffered relegation, and two more teams will soon join them in the Nigeria National League next season.