Sporting Lagos will play their 2024/25 league season in the second tier of Nigerian league football after being relegated from the Nigeria Premier Football League in their maiden season.
Christian Pygbara’s header in the in the 37th minute earned Shooting Stars a 1-0 win over the visitors, ultimately ensuring that their relegation to the Nigeria National League was confirmed.
Sporting Lagos went into their NPFL matchday 38 fixture hoping that a win in Ibadan and Bayelsa United losing in Benin to Bendel Insurance will help them retain their topflight status, however, Bayelsa United against all odds shocked the football community after taking the lead at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium as early as the second minute through Ekeson Okorie.
Garando Tekena’s 36th minute goal after Insurance’s goalkeeper error in also sealed Sporting’s relegation fate.
Akwa United, Nigeria Tornadoes, and Kwara United, who all needed wins to remain in the NPFL, were all victorious.
The Promise Keeper beat Rivers United 2-1 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo while Kwara United beat already relegated Heartland FC 3-0 in Ilorin. Niger Tornadoes beat Sunshine Stars 2-0.
At the end of matchday 38 in the NPFl, 46 points was not enough for Sporting Lagos as they got relegated alongside early season high-flyer Doma United, Heartland FCGombe United.
