Reasons former champions, Akwa United apologised to fans

Nigeria’s elite league’s 2020/21 champions had been relegated as the curtain fell on the 2024/25 season on Sunday.

The relegation from the Nigeria Premier Football League was confirmed following an away 2-1 loss to fellow relegation side, Heartland of Owerri.

It is the second time since 2009 that the club will be relegated. The club regretted the drop and issued a statement apologising on the X platform to its fans.

“Following the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, we wish to express our disappointment and apologize to everyone associated with our club over our inability to retain our league status for top-flight football next season.”

Even before the last match day on Sunday, the top three for continental assignments were already known. But the expected drama was at the backwaters, where the battle against relegation was the highlight.

With the title already won, Remo Stars had little to fight for as they were inflicted with their worst defeat of the season, losing 3-0 to Bayelsa United.

Shooting Stars also beat their age-long rivals, Enugu Rangers, 5-1 in what was a face-saving battle.

Elsewhere, Rivers United narrowed the gap with league champions, Remo Stars after defeating Nasarawa United 2-1. Niger Tornadoes also beat Kano Pillars 3-2.

What was initially to be a Confederation Cup ticket decider, a battle of Ikorodu City and Abia Warriors in Lagos was all the same fiercely contested.

Ikorodu City won 3-2. But for losing to Remo Stars three weeks ago, the defeat of Abia Warriors would have yielded dividends to Ikorodu City who ended fourth on the log.

Sunshine Stars’ miserable season ended with a 2-1 home loss to Niger Tornadoes.