Reigning champions Remo Stars, along with El Kanemi Warriors, Bayelsa United and Wikki Tourists, were relegated from the Nigeria Premier Football League on the final matchday of the 2025/26 campaign.
Relegation heartbreak for the season’s big names
Remo Stars’ attempt to defend the title ended in bitter fashion in Benin, where a 1-1 draw with Bendel Insurance confirmed their drop from the top flight. Victor Mbaoma put the Sky Blue Stars ahead just before the interval, but Chijioke Akuneto struck in stoppage time to level the contest and condemn the Ikenne-based side to relegation. The club’s struggles were intensified by the departure of key players to overseas clubs after their maiden championship success, and Remo Stars ultimately finished 17th with 47 points.
El Kanemi Warriors also suffered the final-day blow, losing 3-0 to Enyimba in Aba. Stanley Dimgba scored twice for the home side, with Uwana Asuquo adding a third. The Borno Army ended the season in 18th place on 47 points, returning to the Nigeria National League just two seasons after earning promotion.
Bayelsa United were already set for the drop before the last round, but they ended their campaign with a 4-0 victory over Kwara United in Yenagoa. Peter Ebimobowei, Saro Loveday, Stephen Wisdom and Nneoyi Ofem all found the net. Even so, the Prosperity Boys could not climb out of the danger zone, finishing on 43 points.
Wikki Tourists, similarly already relegated, looked briefly like they might spring a surprise in Owerri against Kun Khalifat. They led early, but the visitors conceded three unanswered goals. Uchechukwu Onuoha restored parity in the 15th minute, Lekan Gabriel made it 2-1 in the 61st, and Onuoha completed his brace in the 76th to secure a 3-1 win. The result ensured Kun Khalifat stayed up in 12th place with 49 points.
Survival confirmed: the teams that avoided the drop
- Kwara United avoided relegation despite suffering a 4-0 defeat to Kwara United in Yenagoa, finishing 16th on 47 points.
- Kano Pillars held their status in 15th place on 48 points, even after losing 1-0 to Plateau United in Jos in stoppage time.
- Niger Tornadoes secured safety with a 1-0 victory at home over Shooting Stars, as Abdulrasheed Shehu Dabai converted a penalty in the 41st minute.
- Warri Wolves survived after overturning Abia Warriors’ early advantage: Chisom Orji levelled, then scored a second-half penalty to win 2-1.
Final standings impact: what the last day decided
With Remo Stars finishing 17th on 47 points, El Kanemi Warriors ending bottom in 18th on 47 points, Bayelsa United closing on 43 points, and Wikki Tourists unable to prevent their 3-1 defeat against Kun Khalifat, the final round delivered a decisive reshuffle. Meanwhile, the teams that climbed just enough positions—Kwara United, Kano Pillars, Niger Tornadoes and Warri Wolves—secured their places in the league as the season concluded.
