In one of the most stunning downfalls in recent Nigerian football history, former champions Remo Stars FC have been officially relegated from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), after playing out a 1-1 draw at Bendel Insurance.
Things looked bright and beautiful for the Sky Blue Stars who led 1-0 into the break through Victor Mbaoma’s goal, until they conceded to a Chijioke Akuneto strike at the last minute. 1-1!!!
The Remo Stars’ camp then had to wait for confirmation of their top flight status, after the Kun Khalifat versus Wikki Tourists match was delayed due to heavy rainfall in Owerri.
It looked like things would swing in favour of Remo Stars when Jonathan Mairiga handed already relegated Wikki the lead on nine minutes. The lead lasted only seven minutes before in-form Uchechukwu Onuoha levelled the score for Kun Khalifat.
Further goals from Lekan Gabriel (67′) and Onuoha (77′) meant Kun Khalifat FC escaped relegation on the final day, while Remo Stars dropped to the second tier, the Nigeria National League (NNL).
Remo Stars became only the third defending champions to be relegated after Shooting Stars (in 1999) and Bayelsa United (in 2010).
El-Kanemi Warriors completed the quartet of relegated sides after a three-nil defeat at Enyimba. Stanley Dimgba (27′, 37′) and Uwana Asuquo (87′) scored the goals for Enyimba who also escaped relegation.
Warri Wolves also beat the drop on the final day after coming from a goal down to defeat Abia Warriors 2-1 at their Southern Delta University Stadium ground in Ozoro.
Imoh Obot fired Warriors in front in the first minute before Chisom Orji’s brace turned things around for Wolves before the hour mark.
Remo Stars, El-Kanemi Warriors, Bayelsa United and Wikki Tourists have all been relegated.
.){kind=link}