Heartland’s efforts to remain in the elite Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) fell flat yesterday as the former champions joined Lobi Stars, Akwa United and Sunshine Stars in the drop to the lower Nigerian National League (NNL).

Heartland needed a win, while hoping for a better result than those obtained by El Kanemi Warriors and Akwa United to survive the drop to the lower league.

Fortunately for the Emmanuel Amunike-tutored side, their last game of the season was against Akwa United at home, which presented them an opportunity to settle that aspect of the equation by themselves.

They promptly did that at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, with a 2-1 win. But El Kanemi also defeated Sunshine Stars in their last game, making Heartland’s efforts futile.

El Kanemi ended the season on 50 points to get another chance in the NPFL, while Heartland’s 47 points condemned them to the NNL alongside Akwa United, Sunshine Stars and Lobi Stars.

Upfront, Abia Warriors failed in their efforts to gazump Rivers United for the second Champions League ticket as they lost 2-3 to Ikorodu City in Lagos, while Rivers United defeated Nasarawa United 2-1 in Port Harcourt to secure their place alongside champions, Remo Stars, in next season’s CAF Champions League.

Elsewhere, Bayelsa United defeated Remo Stars 3-0 in Yenagoa, Enyimba lost 0-1 in Aba to Plateau United, Katsina United defeated Kwara United 1- 0, while Lobi Stars beat Bendel Insurance 2-1.

In Enugu, Niger Tornadoes outscored Kano Pillars 3-2, but the biggest result came from Ibadan where Shooting Stars defeated old foes, Enugu Rangers 5-1.