Race for a continental spot goes down to the wire as five teams battle to escape relegation in the Nigeria topflight final showdown on Sunday:
Abia Warriors - Sharks
All eyes are on the Port Harcourt outfit who are desperately seeking relegation survival against Ladan Bosso's men in Umuahia. With their position under no threat, Abia Warriors failed to earn victory against already relegated Taraba in Abuja last Sunday, would hope to give their fans with a victorious ending against Sharks. Visiting Festus Allen's men would have to show ambition to get victory at the Umuahia Township Stadium to stay afloat.
Wikki Tourist - Kano Pillars
The Bauchi Tourists must fight to finish when they host the title holders on Sunday after a first leg 1-1 draw in Kano. After a narrow 1-0 defeat to El Kanemi Warriors in Katsina, Wikki Tourists need at least the maximum points to overtake Jos' Elephants for a continental ticket next season. While visitors, Kano Pillars would hope to end their horrible season as high as possible at the expense of the Abdul Maikaba's men.
Heartland - El Kanemi Warriors
The Naze Millionaires would hope to consolidate on their first leg 1-1 draw in Kano when they will welcome the Borno Armies in Owerri. Heartland will desire to at least retain its eighth position by raking in the all the three points at the Dan Anyiam Stadium. While relegation survival El Kanemi Warriors would hope for a favorable away result in Owerri to get revenge and zoom into the top ten.
Shooting Stars - Dolphins
Stanley Eguma's men are condemned to win in Ibadan if they hope to remain in the top flight next season against hosts, the Oluyole Warriors. A defeat against Gbenga Ogunbote's men will see the Pride of Rivers relegate on the final day of the season for the first time in at least a decade. Recovering from a 1-0 defeat to Giwa in Jos, 3SCwould delight finish in the top ten places and avoid a back-to-back defeat to Dolphins.
Nasarawa United - Giwa FC
Only three points separate both sides in one of the biggest match on the final day of the season. With goal advantage, the Solid Miners would aim to overtake their northern rivals Jos' Elephants on Sunday in Lafia in crucial clash for a continental spot. Esosa Igbinoba would rally his teammates to compound halt the ambition of their visitors and nick a continental ticket. But visiting high flying Giwa would be desperate to shock their hosts and stay put in the third position.
Kwara United - Ifeanyi Ubah
Both sides have endured a troublesome campaign, but it was the Anambra Warriors who holds lifeline to play topflight football next season. But relegated Harmony Warriors would glory giving their home fans a victorious ending in their somewhat goodbye encounter to the elite division on Sunday at the Ilorin Township Stadium. While the visitors would dare their hosts for victory with hopes to stay within the top ten places.
Warri Wolves - FC Taraba
After a conceding the league title to the People's Elephants last Sunday, the Seasiders would focus on clinching the second spot to compete in the Champions League next season. Paul Aigbogun's men knows a home victory will ensure an elite continental ticket and would ran out wide like wolves against relegated Taraba. Golden boot contender Gbolahan Salami will seize a final day chance to raise his prospect for the top scorer award.
Sunshine Stars - Enyimba
Despite losing the title race to Enyimba, the Akure Gunners would have to fire on all cylinders to grab a continental place for a season reward. Only victory against the Kadiri Ikhana's men would step up Sunshine Stars' chance of nicking a continental ticket. Visiting People's Elephants won't have much to worry as a seventh league title awaits them with a six points advantage atop, except to halt the hosts' continental dreams.
Enugu Rangers - Bayelsa United
The hosts are on through path of relegation survival. They need victory to safely retain their topflight status against already confirmed relegation visitors, the Restoration Boys. Though the hosts is heavily favoured to stay put in the elite division, but must ensure a comprehensive win at home. Bayelsa United would only gladly aim for a miraculous away win to sign out of the elite division on a high note.
Akwa United - Lobi Stars
In 2013, Akwa United survived relegation in a final day draw against Kwara United in Lokoja. The Promise Keepers are yet again in the relegation mix and would hope for a final day victory against Lobi Stars to escape the drop. Visitors Lobi, who are not safe yet would delight stinging their hosts to cement their topflight spot. Quite dicey to predict as Justin Tenger’s men seek survival against his former team, who needs nothing short of victory to beat the drop.
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