Heartland FC has been relegated to the Nigeria National League (NNL) for the third time in their history following a crushing 4-1 defeat to Remo Stars during an NPFL match-day 36 game on Wednesday.

Heartland entered the match needing a victory to keep their survival hopes alive.

However, Remo Stars extinguished those hopes with a dominant performance.

The Sky Blue secured their victory with a brace from Stanley Joseph, complemented by goals from Franck Mawuena and Jide Fatokun.

The Naze Millionaires have struggled throughout the season, managing only eight wins, 11 draws, and suffering 17 defeats.

This relegation comes just one season after their promotion back to the top flight.

Heartland are 19th place on the NPFL table with only 35 points, sealing their return to the second tier of Nigerian football.