Abuja, Nigeria – (African Boulevard News) – The Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) entered its final week of matches with some exciting fixtures and results that defined the various teams’ fates. While some teams have lost their elite status and are now relegated to NNL, a few others are on course to compete for the title in the season-ending Super Six.
The drama was intense in the North Central derby between Nasarawa United and Plateau United as the former secured a vital 2-0 victory, pushing them into the Super Six and effectively putting Plateau United’s qualification in doubt. Similarly, Kwara United managed an important 1-0 away win over Enyimba to confirm their Super Six spot and avoid relegation.
However, it was Bendel Insurance’s impressive 1-0 victory over Jigawa Golden Stars that sealed their Super Six ticket and dashed the latter’s hopes of staying in the top flight. The match held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin was keenly contested as both teams needed a win to advance to the Super Six. Still, Bendel Insurance secured the crucial victory with a goal from Charles Omokaro in the 63rd minute, ensuring they finish in the top three in Group B.
Speaking after the match, Bendel Insurance’s Technical Adviser, Baldwin Bazuaye, expressed delight at his side’s qualification, saying, “It was a tough match, but we knew what was at stake for us. We had to play with all our hearts and ensure we got the win we needed to move ahead. Credit to the players, they were fantastic.”
The Super Six will run from June 21 to July 12 and feature six teams split into two groups of three. The teams will play in a round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the final to determine NPFL champions and Nigeria’s representatives in the CAF Champions League.
Overall, the NPFL has been a riveting season full of twists and turns, and the Super Six promises to be no different. Fans can expect some exciting matches as teams battle to end the season on a high note and clinch the highly coveted NPFL trophy.
