With four games remaining, Rivers United was declared the 2021/22 Nigeria Professional Football League winners, claiming the league's top spot for the first time in the club's history.

This comes after Plateau United, who were in second place, lost to Akwa United 2-1 in Uyo, ending their chances of winning the NPFL championship.

The setback marked Plateau's fifth straight road loss this year.

Akwa United took an early lead in the 12th minute from David Onovo’s finish to Adam Yakubu’s assist. Five minutes after conceding, Plateau United blew up a chance from Andrew Ikefe to restore parity after he failed to connect from Haggai Katoh’s set-piece.

Plateau United eventually got an equaliser in the second half from Jesse Akila’s effort in the 52nd minute.

But when the visitors must have thought they had secured a draw, Leo Ezekiel scored from Akpesiri’s pass in the third minute of added time.

Akwa United stays in seventh place with 51 points while Plateau United maintain their second spot with 61 points.

Meanwhile, in Kaduna, Niger Tornadoes destroyed Kwara United 4-0. In their last three away games, Kwara United suffered yet another crushing loss.

The Tornadoes moved up to position 11 with 45 points thanks to an own goal from Adesina Gata and scores from Jonas Emmanuel, Musa Wakili, and Hashim Shamsudeen.

In the 19th minute, Jonas Emmanuel drilled his strike past Dele Aiyenugba while the visitors were still regrouping after the first goal.

Kwara United's hopes of competing on the continent were dashed with the loss as they remain in fifth place with 52 points.