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As the curtain falls in the 2024/25 season of the Premier Football League (NPFL), all eyes go to the bottom of the table, where the battle for survival occupies the center of the stage in a dramatic final of day 38.
The champions crowned, but the battle of descent is enraged
While the rowing stars have raised the title, and Rivers United and Abia Warriors have been insured by Rivers United and Abia, the real tension is at the opposite end of the table.
Read also: Remo Stars crowned NPFL champions as governor Abiodun presents a trophy in Ikenne
With the stars of Lobi and Sunshine’s stars already relegated, two of the remaining four clubs will even join them in the fall while fans appear a dramatic end for the season.
Heartland vs Akwa United: a titanic shock in Owerri
The outstanding part of the last day takes place at the Dan Anyiam stadium in Owerri, where Heartland receives Akwa United in a meeting to do or die between two former NPFL champions.
Heartland’s destiny is not in his hands: even one victory will only be enough if Niger’s tornadoes lose and both Katsina United and the El-Kanemi warriors cannot win. Anything except, and the Naze Millionaires could become the first NPFL club to suffer consecutive relegations, having escaped the fall last season due to the disqualification of FA beyond the FA limits.
Heartland has shown a late resolution, with two victories in his last five and a general account of 11 wins and 12 draws, time will say if they will increase their fourth decrease in the last 10 years.
Akwa United, champions as recently as 2021, cling to the survival of the thinnest margins.
With 44 points, they must win in Owerri and pray so that the Katsina United Warriors and the-Kanemi slip. A draw or any victory of its descent rivals will consign the guardians of the promise to the fall.
After having granted 37 goals and scored only 34, Akwa’s defensive fragilities and the inconsistent form, 17 losses this season, have made this a campaign to forget.
Both Akwa United and Heartland needed a victory and then wait for the results in another place before the winner can escape, a draw will relegate both teams.
El-Kanemi vs Sunshine Stars: A must win for the Warriors
In Maiduguri, the warriors El-Kanemi face the stars relegated by the sun in a high-risk shock. With 46 points, El-Kanemi needs a victory to guarantee security.
A draw or loss could open the door to Heartland or Akwa United to overcome them.
The El-Kanemi campaign has been full of draws: 13 in total, the greatest amount in the descent zone. Its recent form is not impressive, with only one victory in its last ten outings. Even so, they have shown resilience, losing only six of their last 13 games.
Katsina United: Final Home Fortress Face test
Katsina United, sitting 15 with 47 points, host Kwara United in a clash that must win. Visitors, already safe in 12th with 50 points, have little at stake beyond pride.
Katsina’s survival scenario is simple: win and are safe. A draw or loss, however, could be fatal. His attack has been without teeth, scoring only 29 goals throughout the season, the second place in the League. Defensively, they have been more solid, granting 36 times, which has kept them in dispute. With two victories and two losses in their last five, they need a final thrust at home.
Niger Tornadoes vs Kano Pillars: The Dark Horse stage
Niger’s tornadoes, currently 14 with 48 points, remain in danger if they lose with Kano’s pillars in Kaduna and both Heartland and Akwa United.
Its form is unstable, with only one victory in five and a concern of 44 goals granted this season. They have not been able to maintain a clean sheet in their last five and will expect the inconsistency of the pillars to work in their favor.
Kano’s pillars, insurance in the seventh with 53 points, have been erratic lately, alternating victories and losses in their last five. However, their 42 marked goals make them one of the strongest attack sides on the middle table.
A gloomy farewell to Lobi stars
Lobi Stars concludes his miserable campaign against Bendel Insurance. With only five victories and 27 goals in the League, Lobi has been the poorest team this season. They failed to win a single game outside and will start from the maximum need that a complete review needs.
The insurance, meanwhile, are still pressing for a fourth place, tied at 56 points with the city of Ikorodu and above Enyimba. The motivation will have a higher level to finish the season with a strong note.
Final day, final whistle, final emotion
All matches will begin simultaneously on Sunday, ensuring every second count in what promises to be a heart end. With four teams still in danger and only two security places, each objective, each letter, and each Tackle could be the difference between survival and descent.
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