Bayelsa United, Wikki Tourist Relegated as NPFL Title Race Goes to Final Day
The battle to avoid relegation in the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League took a dramatic turn on Matchday 37 as Bayelsa United and Wikki Tourist were officially relegated from the top flight following painful defeats on Sunday.
Bayelsa United’s four-year stay in the NPFL came to an end after a 2-1 defeat against Remo Stars in Ikenne.
The Yenagoa-based side made an impressive start and stunned the hosts in the fifth minute when Ofem Nneoyi capitalised on a defensive lapse and Remo Stars’ high defensive line before calmly slotting past the goalkeeper.
Remo Stars gradually grew into the game and found the equaliser just before halftime.
Alex Oyowah rose highest to head home from a well-delivered free-kick, restoring parity for the home side.
The comeback was completed in the 64th minute when experienced striker Victor Mbaoma fired into the net to score his 13th league goal of the season and hand Remo Stars maximum points.
The result left Bayelsa United stranded on 40 points, six points away from safety with only one fixture remaining, confirming their relegation to the Nigeria National League.
In Bauchi, Wikki Tourist also suffered heartbreak after surrendering a lead in a thrilling 3-2 home defeat to Rivers United.
Wikki Tourist had looked on course for survival after Imanu Bala gave them the lead early in the second half.
However, Rivers United produced a late fightback, scoring twice in the closing stages to snatch victory and condemn the Bauchi club to relegation after just one season back in the NPFL.
The win proved crucial for Rivers United, who remain firmly in the title race under coach Finidi George.
The Port Harcourt side are still one point behind league leaders Enugu Rangers, who secured a 2-1 victory over Bendel Insurance at the Cathedral Stadium.
With one round of matches left, the NPFL title race is now set for a tense final-day showdown between Rangers and Rivers United.
Elsewhere, several clubs successfully secured their top-flight status.
Abia Warriors, Kwara United, Enyimba FC, Warri Wolves, Kun Khalifat and Niger Tornadoes all moved clear of relegation danger heading into the final weekend of the campaign.
Matchday 37 Results
Shooting Stars 1-0 Barau FC
El-Kanemi Warriors 0-0 Niger Tornadoes
Kwara United 2-0 Enyimba FC
Remo Stars 2-1 Bayelsa United
Enugu Rangers 2-1 Bendel Insurance
Katsina United 4-1 Ikorodu City
Wikki Tourist 2-3 Rivers United
Abia Warriors 0-2 Kun Khalifat
Kano Pillars 1-0 Warri Wolves
Nasarawa United 1-0 Plateau United
