Enyimba crowned Nigerian champions for ninth time

Enyimba have won the 2022-23 Nigeria Premier League title after playing out a 1-1 draw with neighbors Rivers United to top the championship play-off.

Ekene Awazie put the Aba club in front on 39 minutes in the final-day fixture, but Nyima Nwagua equalized three minutes after the interval to ensure a share of the spoils.

The result meant Finidi Geoge’s side finished the play-off level on points with Rivers United and Remo Stars — who had beaten one of the pre-tournament favourites Bendel Insurance 1-0 to temporarily move a point clear at the summit.

But Enyimba claimed top spot thanks to superior goal difference. The goal-difference tie-breaker also determined second and third places — with Remo Stars finishing above Rivers United.

The triumph — the Aba club’s ninth — secures Champions League football for next season.

Runners-up Remo will also represent Nigeria in Champions League, while Rivers United will feature in the Confederation Cup.

Despite finishing fifth in the playoff, Insurance — who finished top of Group A in the regular season — could still earn the right to play continental football next season, if they beat Enugu Rangers in the final of Federation Cup on June 21.

But Sunshine Stars — who finished fourth — and bottom team Lobi Stars both have no chance of qualification for continental competitions.