Former Nigeria U-23 star Promise Akinpelu was the hero as Union Saint-Gilloise clinched their first Belgian Pro League title in 90 years with a 3-1 victory over KAA Gent.
Promise Akinpelu, who represented Nigeria at the U-23 level in 2022 before switching allegiance to Canada, came off the bench to net a decisive brace that sealed the title in front of an ecstatic home crowd.
Union entered the final match of the season with a one-point lead over Club Brugge and needed a win to be crowned champions and secure automatic qualification to the UEFA Champions League group stage.
Franco Ivanovic opened the scoring for Union in the 11th minute, but Gent equalized just before halftime through Andri Guðjohnsen. In the 58th minute, Promise Akinpelu replaced Mohammed Fuseini and made an instant impact. He restored Union’s lead in the 68th minute and completed his brace in the 75th, putting the result beyond doubt.
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There was a huge sigh of relief across the Joseph Marien Stadium as news filtered in that Club Brugge had drawn 1-1 with Royal Antwerp, confirming Union as champions without the need for goal difference or other permutations.
Promise Akinpelu capped off a stellar season, finishing as Union’s joint top scorer with 19 goals and four assists in 34 league appearances. He scored 11 goals in 24 games during the regular season and added eight more in 10 matches during the Championship Playoffs.
Union Saint-Gilloise, coached by 37-year-old former West Bromwich Albion and Brighton defender Sebastien Pocognoli, ended the season with 56 points—three clear of Club Brugge, who finished on 53.
Founded in 1897, Union were once a dominant force in Belgian football, winning 11 league titles between 1904 and 1935. However, a steep decline began in the early 1960s, culminating in relegation to the fourth tier by the 1980s. This title marks a dramatic return to glory for one of Belgium’s oldest clubs.
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