By Ime Bassey

Plateau United has been relegated from the Nigerian Premier league following their slim 1-0 goal win over Federation Cup winners, Heartland of Owerri at the Rwang Pam Stadium in Jos.

The team needed a two goal margin victory to stay in the country’s elite league after just being promoted from the Pro League last season on the last day.

Speaking to Vanguard Sports after the game in Jos, the General Manger and Technical adviser of the club, Bitrus Bewarang said it is part of football to win some and lose some. He lamented over the one goal margin, stressing that his wards game their all.

“We came to the Premier League with high hopes but it is over now. The victory was not good enough to keep us in the league. I am happy that we fought till the very end of the league letting people who care to listen that we are a good side full of talented players”, Bewarang said.

At the other side of the relegation battle between Zamfara United and ocean Boys, the game proved to be the saving grace for the Brass team which managed to stay on top by forcing a 1-1 draw.

But for the Alhassan Mohammed led Zamfara United, it was a sad one not winning its last game to bid the NPL farewell for a while.

Relaying this to our reporter in Gusau after the 1-1 draw, Coach Mohammed said he could not hold the tears from the eyes of his boys as they cried profusely.

“My boys are crying because we promised ourselves that we will win our last game here in Gusau to thank our fans for their support. We knew we were condemned already but needed to go with the mind-set that we were not battered”, the coach stated.

The relegated teams are Plateau United (44 points), Zamfara United (40 points), Crown FC (37 points) and JUTH FC with 32 points.