 Berger beat Enyimba in their last match |
Nigerian league runners-up Julius Berger will join champions Enyimba in next year's expanded African Champions League. Berger secured their spot in Africa's premier club competition after a 1-0 home win over Enyimba in their final game of the season.
Enyimba had been crowned league champions with two matches to go, after recording an unassailable 63 points.
But the tight race for second place - and the prized continental spot - went to the last game of the championship.
Berger ended their league campaign on 58 points, the same as Rangers International, who lost 2-0 to Kano Pillars in their final game.
But the 'Bridge Boys,' as Berger are popularly known, pipped Rangers to the Champions League berth as a result of a superior goals difference.
Third-placed Rangers will now have to be content with a spot in the Confederations Cup, a newly-designed continental competition which kicks off next year.
The relegated teams are: Sunshine Stars, Jigawa Golden Stars, Delta United and Sharks of Port Harcourt, while Shooting Stars of Ibadan, NPA of Warri, El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri and Mighty Jets of Jos have gained promotion to the top flight.
The new league season is expected to begin in November, after the country has played host to the eighth All-Africa Games next month.
MMIX
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