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As is customary in Nigeria's top division, four teams must drop to the second division at the end of the season, due to having the worst performances.
With the regular season 2023, Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) now concluded, attention would turn to the Super 6 playoffs to decide which of the qualified teams would emerge as the nation's league champion.
While the likes of Bendel Insurance, Rivers United, Remo Stars, Lobi Stars, Enyimba and Sunshine Stars would proceed to the Super 6, another set of teams bid the NPFL goodbye.
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19:04 - 21.05.2023
NPFL: Enyimba, Remo Stars and Sunshine Stars complete Super 6 lineup
It's celebration time for Enyimba, Remo Stars who expectedly made it through to the NPFL Super 6, Sunshine Stars sneaked in while it was despair for the United teams and Warriors.
The 2023 season, like every other, see the four worst-performing teams drop to Nigeria's second division - the Nigeria National League (NNL).
What are the relegated NPFL teams?
- Wikki Tourists: 9th in Group B (19 pts)
The Bauchi club on Sunday, completed the quadruple of teams to make the drop to the NNL, despite a 2-0 final day victory over Lobi Stars.
Their win over which ended Lobi Stars' 18 matches unbeaten run in home games in the NPFL (12 consecutive wins), was unable to save them as threatened Rangers and Bayelsa drew and won their games, respectively.
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The Group B side now goes down for the first time in 9 years after promotion from the second-tier NNL in the 2014 season.
- Nasarawa United: 9th in Group A (14 pts)
Relegated from Group A is the Solid Miners who finished in ninth of 10 places, with a points haul of 14.
After 18 matches in the 2023 season, Nasarawa United had succeeded in amassing only three wins, five draws and 10 defeats, conceding 23 goals in the process.
The Lafia club had only experienced relegation from the NPFL once, in 2009/10, but gained promotion back in 2012 after winning their division.
Their relegation to the NNL was confirmed in Week 17 after they fell to a 1-0 defeat to Kwara United at the Akure Township Stadium.
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21:39 - 08.05.2023
'We are sorry' - Dakkada apologize to fans following NPFL relegation
A 1-1 home draw against Lobi Stars on Saturday marked the end of Dakkada's 4-year stay in the NPFL.
- Dakkada: 10th in Group B (13 pts)
The Uyo club were the first side to be relegated from the 2023 season after playing out a 1-1 draw with Lobi Stars in the penultimate week of the 2023 season.
With just 13 points in 18 matches - three wins, four draws, and 11 defeats - Dakkada finishes the season in last place in Group A.
They had spent the last four seasons in the NPFL after gaining their first-ever promotion from the NNL in July 2019.
- El Kanemi Warriors: 10th in Group A (10 pts)
In last place in Group A is the Borno Army who won only two matches, drew four and lost a whopping 12 of 18 fixtures.
The Maiduguri club make a return to the second division after their promotion back from the NNL in 2012. Relegation brings an end to their 11-years stint in the top flight.
With only 10 points garnered, El Kanemi Warriors are the worst performed team in the 2023 season.
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16:41 - 21.05.2023
NPFL: Bendel Insurance ends regular season unbeaten
The Benin-based club proceeds to the Super 6 playoff on the back of 8 wins, 10 draws and no defeats in 18 matches.
21:39 - 08.05.2023
'We are sorry' - Dakkada apologize to fans following NPFL relegation
A 1-1 home draw against Lobi Stars on Saturday marked the end of Dakkada's 4-year stay in the NPFL.
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18:53 - 06.05.2023
NPFL: Dakkada relegation to NNL confirmed
After four years in the top flight league, Dakkada have officially bid the NPFL farewell.
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