Doma United battle Sunshine Stars to avert relegation

Akwa United, Sporting Lagos to know fate on final matchday

Doma United were among the shining lights in the early days of the 2023/24 Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL). The Gombe-based private club were once second on the league table, way above eventual winners, Enugu Rangers.

As at week nine of the season, the Desert Tigers’ Head Coach, Akin Onigbinde, was talking of leading the club to the continent in their first season in the elite league. But things have changed drastically that the club, instead, is fighting to remain in the top flight of the Nigerian league with a game to go.

They still have the chance to salvage their season as they have an outstanding game, which if they win today, will give them the chance to fight for survival on the final day of the season.

If Doma United beat Sunshine Stars at the Pantami Stadium, Gombe, they will rise to the same 46 points as Sporting Lagos and Akwa United, even though they will still remain on the 18th spot due to their inferior goals difference with the other two.

What is going for Doma United is that their last game of the season is at home against Abia Warriors and a win could see them out of trouble. Sporting Lagos face 3SC in a tough Southwest Derby at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan on the final day of the season, while Akwa United will battle with Rivers United at home in Uyo.

Already Gombe United and Heartland have been relegated to the second tier, the Nigeria National League (NNL). Akwa United, Sporting Lagos and Doma United will begin the final matchday in the relegation zone.

Last weekend, Doma United suffered a 0-2 defeat at Katsina United, leaving their goal difference looking unhealthy at -15, the worst among the sides battling for survival.

Akwa United sit just above the drop zone after suffering a 0-2 defeat to Abia Warriors in Week 37. They will face Rivers United at their Nest of Champions home ground in Uyo on the final day. So, as things stand, Doma United must defeat Sunshine Stars at home today to retain hopes of surviving the drop on the last day.