NPFL: Doma United and Sporting Lagos relegated to Nigeria National League

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

After two seasons in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Doma United will return to second-tier football after a 1-1 draw with Abia Warriors in the final Matchday of the 2023/2024 season.

In need of a win to beat the drop while expecting results elsewhere to favour them, Okike Meme broke the deadlock for the visitors in the 32nd minute to the displeasure of the home fans in Gombe.

Three minutes into the second half, Emmanuel Jesam equalised for Doma United but that couldn’t prevent them from a return to the Nigeria National League (NNL).

In Ibadan, Sporting Lagos also joined Doma United in the second tier after their debut season didn’t go as planned. Losing 1-0 to Shooting Stars Sports Club compounded tier relegation woes.

Christian Pyagbara scored the winning goal for the Oluyole Warriors in the 38th minute.

Teams above Doma United and Sporting Lagos also confirmed their league status with victories.

Akwa United defeated Rivers United 3-1 in Uyo as Friday Ubong’s brace and goal from Sani Suleiman helped the Promise Keepers to a victory despite Nyima Nwagua’s goal for the Pride of Rivers.

In Benin City, Bayelsa United secured their league status with a 2-0 win against host, Bendel Insurance in the South South derby.

Ekeson Okorie and GarandoTekena’s first-half goals were enough for the Yenegoa-based side.

Niger Tornadoes pipped Sunshine Stars 2-1 thanks to strikes from Bashiru Usman and Clinton Jephta before Lucky Nwafor’s goal for the Akure Gunners.

In Ilorin, Kwara United thrashed relegated Heartland FC 4-0 with goals from Wasiu Alalade, Emmanuel Ogbole, Mohammed Alao, and Godwin Oshagbemi.

Overall, Gombe United, Heartland FC, Doma United, and Sporting Lagos have been relegated to the second tier for next season.

2023/2024 NPFL Matchday 38 Results

Gombe United 1-2 Enugu Rangers

Remo Stars 2-1 Katsina United

Enyimba FC 2-0 Plateau United

Shooting Stars Sports Club 1-0 Sporting Lagos

Kano Pillars 3-2 Lobi Stars

Doma United 1-1 Abia Warriors

Akwa United 3-1 Rivers United

Bendel Insurance 0-2 Bayelsa United

Kwara United 4-0 Heartland FC

Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Sunshine Stars