2023 NNL Super 8 MD2 Wrap: Sporting Lagos pip Stormers to historic NPFL ticket

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Sporting Lagos became the first team to gain promotion to the top-flight Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) at the ongoing 2023 Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8.

The Lagos based side which was established in 2022 became the first and the fastest side to make it to the top flight after a 2-0 win over Abeokuta Stormers from the Southern region on Monday.

Rubio’s 55th minute goal set the pace for a 2-0 win to confirm the team’s qualification to the NPFL.

The Lagosians had edged FC ONE Rocket 1-0 on Sunday to maintain its perfect start to campaign and they will face the Naze Millionaires in the last group game to determine the table toppers.

Elsewhere, Olasunkanmi Qudri’s 15th minute curler gave Heartland FC a 1-0 win over FC ONE Rocket.

In the Northern Conference, EFCC FC’s 2-1 win against Katsina United threw the group open with Victor Mbaoma’s lone goal not enough to save Katsina from a loss.

Kano Pillars moved close to immediate return to the NPFL after goals from Mubarak Sani and Abdullahi Haruna lifted the Sai Masu Gida to a 2-0 win.

Overall, already promoted Sporting Lagos topped the Southern Conference with a maximum of six points ahead of Heartland FC with four points, Abeokuta Stormers with a point and FC ONE Rocket without any point.

Kano Pillars toped the Northern Conference with six points, but are yet to seal a promotion slot ahead of its last group game against Katsina United.

Katsina United have three points alongside EFCC FC while DMD FC didn’t have any point.