NNL 2025/2026: Sporting Lagos Edge Osun United to Clinch Promotion, Boost Lagos Presence in NPFL
Oru Leonard
Sporting Lagos have secured a dramatic return to the Nigeria Premier Football League after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Osun United on Thursday.
The decisive moment came early in the encounter when striker Alex Leme rose above defenders to head home a well-delivered cross in the 17th minute. His goal proved enough to seal maximum points and ignite celebrations among supporters both in Osogbo and Lagos.
The win saw Sporting Lagos finish top of the Nigeria National League Southern Conference A with 33 points, narrowly edging out Akwa United. Despite ending their campaign with a victory over Solution FC, the Uyo-based side fell short of promotion.
Sporting Lagos will now join Inter Lagos—who also topped their group—in the NPFL next season. Their promotion means Lagos will boast three clubs in the elite division, alongside Ikorodu United.
Elsewhere, Doma United have already secured promotion, while the final NPFL ticket from the Northern Conference D remains undecided. Ranchers Bees currently lead the standings with 20 points, closely followed by Jigawa United on 18 points. Both sides face crucial away fixtures ahead of the Super 4 playoffs scheduled for April 24.
For Lagos football, the milestone marks a resurgence, with three clubs set to compete at the highest level of Nigerian football—a testament to the city’s growing dominance in the domestic game.
From second-tier struggle to top-flight return, Sporting Lagos have completed a remarkable comeback.
