El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri on Saturday dropped back to the Nigeria National League (NNL) in spite of thrashing DMD FC of Maiduguri 3-0 at the ongoing super 8 play-offs in Enugu.
In the third match of the Northern Conference played inside the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, Ibrahim Mustapha scored a hat trick on the trot in the 32nd, 73rd and 85th minutes of the game, but the goals could not save the Warriors from the exiting the super 8 competition.
The game between Niger Tornadoes and Gombe United, the second of the day played simultaneously, stalemated at 0-0 enabling the two teams to finish tops and second in the Northern conference.
Niger Tornadoes finished on top with five points plus two goals, while Gombe, in second place, had plus one goal on the same points with Tornadoes.
El-Kanemi finished third with four points and DMD finished with a point as the two Maiduguri clubs confirmed their participation in NNL next season.
In the Southern Conference, Shooting Stars Sports (3SC) of Ibadan hammered Ekiti United 6-0 in the third match of the group stage played inside UNEC field.
The third match of the Southern Conference group between Bendel Insurance of Benin City and Remo Stars of Ogun was, however, postponed till 8am on Sunday.
The final group standings of the Southern Conference will be determined on Sunday, after the conclusion of the rescheduled game between Insurance and Remo stars.
