Akwa United have been relegated from the Nigeria Premier Football League after a narrow 2-1 loss to fellow droppers; Heartland FC on the final day of the 2024/2025 season.

ISAAC NASSY opened scoring just two minutes into the match at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri,  before DANIEL EKPO made it 2, CHISOM ORJI pulled one back for Akwa United, but it was a little to late for the promise keepers, sealing Akwa United’s drop to the second division just four years after they lifted the league title in 2021.

It was a must-win clash for both sides, with Heartland also fighting to avoid relegation. But while Heartland’s fate was still dependent on other results, Akwa United’s slim survival hopes rested on victory and favourable outcomes elsewhere. Unfortunately for the Promise Keepers, neither came.

The result means Akwa United finish the season with 44 points, not enough to stay afloat as Katsina United, Niger Tornadoes, and El-Kanemi Warriors all secured crucial results to remain in the league.