Breaking: Abia Warriors seal CAF Confederation Cup ticket, Sunshine Stars relegated!
Abia Warriors defeated El Kanemi Warriors 2-1 at the Umuahia Township stadium on Sunday to book their ticket as one of Nigeria’s two representatives in the CAF Confederations Cup next season.
Two second half goals by Adejoh Ojonugwa (56) and Emmanuel Ogbuagu (72) were enough to confirm the Abia state team their first Continental ticket after Ismail Mukhar had given the visitors a first half added time goal.
Abia Warriors will now be seeking to upgrade their CAF Confederation Cup ticket to a CAF Champions League ticket and will need to win at Ikorodu City in their final game of the season while hoping Rivers United fumble at home against Nasarawa United after losing 3-1 at Kwara United on Sunday to hold just a point lead.
What is certain however is that both Rivers United and Abia Warriors will join NPFL Champions, Remo Stars in Africa next season.
Remo Stars walloped Ikorodu City 4-1 in Ikenne to end all hopes of the Oga Boys ending their fairytale run in their first NPFL campaign with a Continental ticket.
The Lagos-based team have 56 points to sit fourth on the table, four points behind Abia Warriors with a game left to play.
Enyimba of Aba lost 3-2 at Nasarawa United to also end their hopes of an immediate return to the Continent while their host secured their spot in the NPFL next season.
Meanwhile, Sunshine Stars of Akure have been relegated to the Nigeria National League after losing 2-1 to visiting Niger Tornadoes at the Dipo Dina International Stadium in Ijebu Ode.
Akwa United defeated Bayelsa United 2-1 in Uyo to extend their fight for survival to the wire.
They will face Emmanuel Amunike’s Heartland, who lost 1-0 at Bendel Insurance, in their final game of the season in Owerri.
Victory for either side can help in the fight to avoid the drop while a draw, with El Kanemi Warriors winning at home when relegated Sunshine come visiting will confirm Heartland and Akwa United joining Lobi Stars and Sunshine Stars on the flight to the NNL.
