Stormers Sports Club of Abeokuta have secured their place in next season’s Nigeria National League following the conclusion of the NLO promotion playoffs in Ibadan on Sunday, www.aclsports.com reports.
Real Sapphire, who started the final day in top spot, fell 2-1 to Stormers in a keenly contested game at the Olubadan Stadium. In the other game, Joy Cometh and FC Ebedei could not be separated as they ended their encounter goalless.
The TCC League champions needed a draw or a win to outrightly invalidate the outcome between FC Ebedei and Joy Cometh. However, things did not start on a good note for them as Stormers went in front through Gabriel Agossevi in the 15th minute. Just before then, the Abeokuta side missed a spot-kick.
After the half-time deficit, the Orange boys recovered to get themselves back on level. Jimoh Jamiu scored three minutes after the hour mark to restore parity. Just like they conceded late in the game against Joy Cometh, Real Sapphire were heartbroken when Lekan Aliu fired Stormers back into the lead in the 83rd minute. The Abeokuta side held on for an important win and deservedly clinched the sole promotion ticket to the second division – Nigeria National League.
It is an instant return for Stormers, who were relegated from the second division last year. They will be hoping to extend their stay in the upper division or even play in the NPFL in the coming years. As for Real Sapphire, it puts an end to an incredible season for them under the guidance of Daniel Darko Janacković.
