Remo Stars booked their spot in next season’s Caf Confederation Cup following a 3-0 win over Niger Tornadoes on Sunday. Andy Okpe’s hat-trick sealed the job for Gbenga Ogunbote’s men at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne.
Remo had held on to a narrow gap heading into the final day of the season and knew only a win would guarantee their continental dream at the expence of closest challengers Kwara United, who turned out at Heartland and they executed their plans to claim the maximum points.
In Kano, Kano Pillars secured a 2-1 victory over Shooting Stars despite their relegation on Saturday after losing their appeal against Dakkada FC at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
The four-time Nigerian kings mustered strength as they took the lead just six minutes into the game after Godspower Aniefok profited from a defensive mix-up by the Oluyole Warriors to score.
The visitors from Ibadan leveled matters in the 34th minute before captain Rabiu Ali ensured that Sai Masu Gida ended the 21-year topflight journey on a winning note from a well-taken penalty on the hour mark.
At Godswill Akapbio Stadium, Dakkada FC did enough to escape getting demoted to the Nigeria National League after they thrashed Sunshine Stars 3-0 in Uyo.
The hosts stormed into the lead when they got in front through a seventh-minute opener after Edidiong Ezekiel headed past goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal from a well-taken corner kick by Unwana Asuquo.
In the 19th minute, the home side doubled their advantage courtesy of Aniekan Ekpe’s kick from the penalty spot before Ezekiel wrapped up the game with a cool finish in the 90th minute.
In Owerri, Heartland’s relegation was confirmed notwithstanding their 1-0 win over Kwara United as the Naze Millionaires got an early lead after Samuel Bamidele turned the ball into his own net in the 11th minute.
Elsewhere, MFM ended their season in defeat as they bowed 1-0 at home to Nasarawa United, while champions-elect Rivers United wrapped up their title triumph with a comfortable 1-0 win over Gombe United in Port Harcourt.
NPFL WEEK 38 RESULTS IN FULL
Abia Warriors 3-0 Lobi Stars
Dakkada FC 3-0 Sunshine Stars
Enugu Rangers 2-0 Akwa United
Heartland 1-0 Kwara United
Kano Pillars 2-1 3SC
MFM 0-1 Nasarawa United
Plateau United 1-0 Enyimba
Remo Stars 3-0 Niger Tornadoes
Rivers United 1-0 Gombe United
Wikki Tourist 2-0 Katsina United
