THE romance of Kwara United, Taraba FC and Beyelsa United with the Nigerian Professional Football League has come to an end following their relegation to the Nigeria National League yesterday.

According to the official table of the League Management Company, the three clubs will not be playing in the top flight next season, irrespective of the results of their last matches at the weekend.

Presently, Bayelsa United sit on the 20th position of the log, with 34 points, three less than Taraba FC while Kwara United are 18th with 39 points.

With just one match left to be played by all teams, Kwara United cannot overtake their closest rivals on the table, Akwa United, with 44 points and Dolphins on 44 points.

Kwara were banking on an away win at Sharks yesterday in Port Harcourt but lost 1-0, effectively putting an end to their hopes of escaping relegation, while the home win assured Sharks of another season in the country's top-flight.

The game between Sharks and Kwara United was played behind closed doors because of crowd trouble that erupted during a previous game in Port Harcourt.

Meanwhile, with the confirmation of Enyimba as league champions, there will be a last-day scramble for continental tickets by five teams, comprising Warri Wolves, Giwa, Nasarawa, Wikki Tourists ad Sunshine Stars.

Warri Wolves and Giwa, who both have 63 points, will be contending for the other CAF Champions League ticket while Nasarawa, Wikki and Sunshine Stars are in contention for the two tickets to play in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.

Nasarawa and Wikki Tourist are on 60 points while Sunshine Stars, who were the mid-term champions have 59 points.