MFM FC’s six-year stay in the Nigeria Professional Football League has come to an end, as they have been relegated to the Nigeria National League (NNL), following their home loss to 10-man Niger Tornadoes on Sunday.
The Olukoya Boys needed to win their last three matches to have any hope of survival, but losing 2-1 at home in the first of the three games meant they have now been relegated.
Munir Idris scored the opening goal for the visitors in the first half, and Chukwudi Ezeocha equalised in the 63rd minute, and 10 minutes later, Tornadoes were reduced to 10.
MFM FC’s hunt for a winning goal proved costly, as they conceded a 91st-minute goal through Jonas Emmanuel, helping the away side pick up all three points.
With six points and minus 9 goals difference, and seven points behind 18th place, MFM have now ended their six-year journey in the Nigerian top-flight.
Elsewhere, league champions Rivers United needed a 92nd-minute penalty by Chidiebube Duru to beat Kano Pillars while Plateau United secured Nigeria’s second CAF Champions League spot, following a 2-1 win over Lobi Stars.
Fidelis Ikechukwu’s side had to come from a goal down to win, after conceding early from Osimaga Duke in the fifth minute, but Mohammed Zulkiful’s brace, including a penalty, helped the Jos-based side secure the win.
Plateau United sit eight points ahead of third place with two games to go.
The surprise team of the season, Remo Stars gave Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro a game to watch, as they beat Enyimba 1-0 with Sikiru Alimi scoring the only goal immediately after the restart.
The biggest results on Sunday were Abia Warriors, who defeated Gombe United 3-2, and Kwara United who thumped Nasarawa United 3-0 in Ilorin.
In other results, Dakkada FC defeated Katsina United, 2-0, while Akwa United lost 2-0 away to Wikki Tourists, and Heartland edged Sunshine Stars 1-0 in Owerri.
After losing two-goal advantage to play a two-all draw last week, Shooting Stars came from two goals down to force a 2-2 draw against Rangers in Enugu on Sunday.
As things stand, Rivers United and Plateau United have secured first and second, but the battle for the CAF Confederation Cup is still on, with Remo Stars sitting in third position with 56 points, while Kwara United are fourth with 55 points.
Rangers, Enyimba, Sunshine Stars, and Akwa United still have chances to finish third.
MFM FC are the only team confirmed for the NNL next season, but the other relegation places are still open, as Gombe United in ninth place, can still drop to the second division.
