Lobi Stars FC of Makurdi have become the first team to be officially relegated from the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season following a string of underwhelming performances that leaves them mathematically unable to escape the drop.

 

The Makurdi-based club has managed to gather only 25 points from 33 matches, and with just five games left to play, the maximum they can reach is 40 points—a total that falls short of safety based on the current standings.

 

This marks a disappointing end to a difficult campaign for the former NPFL champions, who have struggled on all fronts this season, managing just five wins, 10 draws, and 18 losses. The team also has the league’s worst goal difference at -20, highlighting their frailties both in attack and defense.

 

Lobi Stars’ fate was sealed after Match Day 33 results saw teams around them pull further away, leaving the club rooted to the bottom of the log in 20th position, far adrift of the safety zone.

 

The early relegation comes as a blow to the club’s fans and management, who will now begin to shift focus towards rebuilding for a campaign in the Nigeria National League (NNL) next season.

 

It remains to be seen how Lobi Stars will respond to this setback, but the club’s relegation underscores the ruthless competitiveness of the NPFL this season.