Bayelsa United, Wikki Tourists Relegated from Nigeria Premier Football League After Matchday 37 Defeats

Monsurah Olatunji / May 11, 2026 / 2 Views

Bayelsa United, Wikki Tourists Relegated from Nigeria Premier Football League After Matchday 37 Defeats

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) sides Bayelsa United and Wikki Tourists have been officially relegated from the top flight following defeats in their respective Matchday 37 fixtures, bringing an end to their survival hopes with one game left in the season.

Bayelsa United suffered a 2-1 defeat away to Remo Stars in Ikenne, while Wikki Tourists fell 3-2 at home to Rivers United after conceding two late goals in a dramatic encounter.

Bayelsa United made a flying start against Remo Stars, taking the lead in the fifth minute through Ofem Nneoyi, who capitalised on a defensive lapse before calmly slotting past the goalkeeper. The hosts responded positively and restored parity four minutes before halftime when Alex Oyowah headed home from a well-delivered free-kick.

Remo Stars completed the comeback in the 64th minute through experienced striker Victor Mbaoma, whose composed finish secured his 13th league goal of the campaign and all three points for the Ikenne-based side.

The defeat leaves Bayelsa United stranded on 40 points, six points away from safety with only one fixture remaining, officially ending the club’s four-year stay in the NPFL.

In Bauchi, Wikki Tourists also saw their relegation confirmed despite taking the lead early in the second half through Imanu Bala. Rivers United mounted a late comeback to snatch victory and condemn the hosts to an immediate return to the Nigeria National League after just one season in the elite division.

The victory kept Rivers United firmly in the title race under coach Finidi George. The Port Harcourt side remain one point behind league leaders Enugu Rangers, who secured a 2-1 victory over Bendel Insurance at the Cathedral Stadium.

With one round of fixtures remaining, the NPFL title race is set for a dramatic final-day conclusion.

Elsewhere, clubs including Abia Warriors, Kwara United, Enyimba FC, Warri Wolves, Remo Stars, Kun Khalifat, and Niger Tornadoes successfully moved clear of the relegation zone.