Enyimba International FC of Aba Clinch Ninth Nigeria Premier League Title!
Enyimba International FC of Aba secured their ninth Nigeria Premier League (NPL) championship title last night, emerging as the winners of the Championship Super 6 Playoffs in Lagos. With all three top contenders finishing on nine points each, Enyimba claimed the title with a superior +4 goal difference and were awarded a prize money of N100 million.
The defending champions, Rivers United, relinquished their title after a 1-1 draw against Enyimba in the fifth match of the playoff at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Lagos Island.
Enyimba took the lead in the 39th minute courtesy of Ekene Awazie, but Nyima Nwagua equalized for Rivers United three minutes into the second half.
Remo Stars also finished the playoffs on nine points after securing a 1-0 victory over Bendel Insurance. This was Remo’s second win of the season.
Both Enyimba and Remo Stars will represent Nigeria in the upcoming CAF Champions League, while Rivers United will return to the CAF Confederation Cup, where they competed this season before being eliminated by Young Tigers of Tanzania.
In another fixture on the final day of the playoffs, Sunshine Stars of Akure defeated Lobi Stars 3-1, securing a fourth-place finish with five points, ahead of Bendel Insurance in the standings.
Remo Stars, who scored in every match of the Super 6 Playoffs, relied on Qudus Akanni’s goal in the 37th minute to secure a solitary victory against Bendel Insurance. It was the first time Remo had defeated Bendel Insurance in the NPL.
For Bendel Insurance, who remained unbeaten in 21 games this season, it was a disappointing campaign after showing great promise in the abridged part of the season. They led Group A throughout the season without suffering any defeats, giving hope to their devoted supporters that the Benin Arsenal would secure a continental club football spot next season. However, three consecutive draws at the start of the playoffs hinted at trouble, and they ultimately succumbed to defeats against both Rivers United and Remo Stars in their final matches, finishing with just three points and fifth place in the standings.
Bendel Insurance’s last chance to qualify for continental football next season lies in winning their Federation Cup final clash against Enugu Rangers next weekend at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.
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