The final day encounter between the two teams at the Dan Anyiam Stadium was a desperate battle for survival, with neither side ultimately able to escape the drop zone. Heartland entered the match needing not only a win but also favorable outcomes in other fixtures to have any hope of staying up. Similarly, Akwa United, who lifted the league title just four years ago, were fighting tooth and nail to avoid relegation.
The tension was palpable from the outset. The hosts, Heartland, broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute through Isaac Nassy, igniting hopes among their supporters. Their lead was then doubled midway through the second half by Daniel Ekpo. While Chisom Orji managed to pull one back for Akwa United in the 83rd minute, it proved to be too little, too late for the "Promise Keepers."
Despite securing all three points, Heartland's hard-fought victory was ultimately rendered meaningless. In Maiduguri, El-Kanemi Warriors clinched a crucial late 1-0 win over Sunshine Stars. This result propelled the "Desert Warriors" out of the danger zone and confirmed Heartland's 17th-place finish with 48 points, just one point shy of safety.
Akwa United, meanwhile, ended the season rooted to 18th position with 44 points, their relegation sealed by a disappointing second half of the campaign. For Heartland, this marks a particularly bitter pill to swallow, as they become the first club in NPFL history to suffer consecutive relegations. They had only managed to retain their top-flight status last season due to the ineligibility of Beyond Limits FA.
Adding to the drama, Sunshine Stars also found themselves in the relegation zone, finishing 19th with just 41 points after their 1-0 defeat to El-Kanemi Warriors. Lobi Stars finished at the very bottom of the table in 20th place. The final day of the NPFL season served as a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of top-flight football, delivering heartbreak for some and relief for others.