The 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League season concluded dramatically on Sunday, as Heartland and Akwa United were officially relegated following Heartland’s 2-1 home victory over Akwa United in Owerri.
The clash between the two former champions turned into a tense survival battle neither managed to win outright, as other results sealed their fate.
Heartland needed a win plus favorable outcomes elsewhere to have a chance at staying up, while Akwa United also fought to avoid relegation just four years after winning the league title.
At the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Heartland took the lead in the 22nd minute through Isaac Nassy, with Daniel Ekpo adding a second goal midway through the second half. Akwa United’s Chisom Orji scored in the 83rd minute, but it was too late to change the outcome.
Despite securing all three points, Heartland’s win proved insufficient as El-Kanemi Warriors defeated Sunshine Stars 1-0 in Maiduguri late in the day. That result lifted El-Kanemi out of danger and left Heartland in 17th place with 48 points, just one point shy of safety.
Akwa United remained in 18th place with 44 points, suffering from a poor second half of the season. Heartland became the first club in NPFL history to suffer back-to-back relegations, having only avoided relegation last season due to Beyond Limits FA’s ineligibility.
Sunshine Stars also faced relegation after their 1-0 loss to El-Kanemi Warriors, finishing 19th with 41 points. Lobi Stars ended the season in 20th place, completing the trio of relegated teams.
