A 2-0 win over Stormers FC in their second game of the Nigeria National League playoffs in Asaba on Monday was enough to earn Sporting Lagos promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League.
After just two seasons in the second division, goals from Rivio Ayemwenre in the 55th minute and another from Okon late in the hour sealed their promotion to the Nigerian topflight next season.
Paul Offor’s team became the first in the NNL Super 8 to confirm their status for next season. Their final group game is against Heartland on Wednesday, and the former NPFL champions must avoid defeat if they are to join Sporting in the NPFL.
Heartland won their first playoff game 1-0 over FC One Rocket on Monday, following a goalless draw against the Stormers on Sunday.
Former NPFL champions Kano Pillars are one point away from regaining promotion to the top division after a 2-0 win against DMD FC of Maiduguri during the ongoing playoffs in Asaba.
Mubarak Sanni started the scoring for Pillars in the first half, while Abdullahi Haruna’s second-half beauty clinched Evans Ogenyi’s side’s second NNL Super 8 victory.
Pillers now need at least a draw in their final game on Wednesday against local rivals Katsina United if they are to return to the top division, one year after being relegated to the second tier.
Katsina United’s hopes of returning to the NPFL were dashed on Monday when they were defeated 2-1 by EFCC FC in their second encounter.
EFCC led with two goals in the first half before Victor Mbaoma, the prolific Kastina United striker, pulled one back for Katsina United.
With both teams on equal points, Katsina and EFCC must win their last group games on Wednesday to stand a chance of promotion to the NPFL. Katsina will be up against Kano Pillars while the EFCC locks horns with DMD.
