Heartland FC are set for a do-or-die clash against Akwa United in the final match of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, with both teams desperately fighting to avoid relegation.
The crucial encounter is scheduled for Sunday at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, with survival in Nigeria's top flight at stake for both sides.
"The final battle! We face Akwa United with our sights on the maximum points," Heartland announced on their official Facebook page, highlighting the significance of the upcoming fixture.
The Naze Millionaires currently occupy 17th position on the NPFL table with 45 points, while Akwa United sit just below in 18th place with 44 points. With Sunshine Stars and Lobi Stars already confirmed for relegation to the Nigeria National League (NNL), the match represents the last chance for both teams to secure their NPFL status for next season.
Only a win will guarantee Heartland's survival, while Akwa United must claim victory and hope other results go their way to avoid dropping to the second tier.
The high-stakes nature of the match has heightened interest among Nigerian football fans, with a capacity crowd expected at the Dan Anyiam Stadium as both teams fight for their NPFL future.
Football analysts predict an intense and closely contested affair, with neither side likely to hold back in what could be their most important match of the season.
