Barely two seasons after their demotion to the Nigerian National League (NNL), Sporting Lagos have made a sensational return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
The Lagos State-based side sealed their return on Thursday after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Osun United of Osogbo, in a tense match played at Ile Ogbo.
It was a crucial win for Sporting Lagos, who fought tooth and nail to grind the much-needed win on the decisive day of the NNL Conference B.
With the win, Sporting Lagos finished top of the group with 36 points, three points above second-placed Akwa United of Uyo, who also secured a 2-1 win away to Solutions FC.
It was a contrasting feeling after the encounter as Osun United fans were left bemoaning after the result, which confirmed the Omoluabi Boys’ relegation to the lower cadre, while Sporting Lagos fans were in a joyous mood.
Sporting Lagos’ return to the topflight turned out to be a blessing for Lagos state, as the number of Lagos-based teams in the NPFL has increased to three.
Recall that Inter Lagos FC had earlier grabbed the ticket in Conference A, ahead of Beyond Limits of Ikenne.
Both Sporting Lagos and Inter Lagos thus join Ikorodu City in the elite league, a development that also means a huge presence of the South West in the NPFL.
