Kano Pillars have retained the Nigeria league title despite losing 2-0 at Lobi Stars on the final day of the season.

Pillars finished top of the table on 63 points, while Enyimba shot to second place after they defeated Sharks 1-0 at home to record 62 points.

This is Pillars third league championship and they along with Enyimba will represent Nigeria in next year's CAF Champions League.

They earned a prize money of 10 million Naira (about $63,000).

Barnabas Imenger junior scored the first goal of the match in the 28th minute from the penalty spot after Umar Zango brought down Douglas Archi inside the 18-yard box.

Imenger then scored his brace against the champions.

Pillars go into the record books as the first team from the Northern part of the country to win Nigeria league twice and back to back.

Bayelsa lost 1-0 at Gombe United to finish third on 61 points, while El Kanemi finished on 60 points after they fell 1-0 at Enugu Rangers.

Substitute Menshak Chukwubuikem scored the goal for Rangers to beat El Kanemi, while Simon Timothy ended the dream of Bayelsa in Gombe with his strike.

At the other end of the table,   Wikki, Kwara United and ABS FC join Shooting Stars to the lower league.

Akwa United and Kwara United played out a 1-draw in Lokoja, while ABS lost 1-0 at Warri Wolves.
Shooting Stars confirmed their relegation after they lost 2-0 at Kaduna United.

It was double tragedy for Kwara State football fans as both teams  from the state, Kwara United and ABS FC, will campaign in the lower division next season following their relegation.

Kwara United had a better chance to stay put when they hosted Akwa United at Lokoja, but they could not get the needed three points as Akwa United, who needed just a point to remain in the top league, did just that as their game ended 1-1.

3SC finished bottom with 46 points from 38 games, followed by Wikki Tourists on 49 points, while ABS FC had 50 points, same with Kwara United.