Sporting Lagos have been relegated from the Nigeria Premier Football League after the 2023/24 season came to an end on Sunday, www.aclsports.com reports.
The Lagos-based side, who needed a win and other results to go their way, lost 1-0 to Shooting Stars in front of a packed Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan. Christian Pyagbara’s late first-half goal decided the contest.
In the other game involving relegation threatened Bayelsa United and Bendel Insurance in Benin, the Prosperity Boys came away with a 2-0 shock win to beat the drop. Ekeson Okorie and Tekena Garando scored to help United retain their Premier League status for another season.
In Aba, Enyimba left it late to seal third spot ahead of Shooting Stars. Chijioke Mbaoma – who finished the season as top scorer – opened the scoring in the 78th minute before Alade Balogun rounded off the game with two minutes to go.
2021 Champions Akwa United defeated Rivers United 3-1 in Uyo to also beat the drop. Ubong Friday scored twice, while Sani Suleiman added another; Nyima Nwagua scored for the visitors.
Champions Rangers capped off the season with a 2-1 win over Gombe United at the New Jos Stadium. Kazeem Ogunleye and Godwin Obaje scored in the opening ten minutes before Anas Hassan grabbed a consolation for the already relegated Scorpions.
Alongside Sporting Lagos, Doma United’s relegation was also confirmed after they drew 1-1 with Abia Warriors at the Pantami Stadium.
Consequently, Rangers, Remo Stars – Champions League – and Enyimba (Confederation Cup) will represent Nigeria on the continent for next season. Sporting Lagos, Doma United, Heartland and Gombe United will play in the Nigeria National League next season.
MD 38 Results
Gombe Utd 1-2 Rangers
3SC 1-0 Sporting Lagos
Bendel Insurance 0-2 Bayelsa Utd
Akwa Utd 3-1 Rivers Utd
Doma Utd 1-1 Abia Warriors
Remo Stars 2-1 Katsina Utd
Tornadoes 2-1 Sunshine Stars
Kwara Utd 4-0 Heartland
Kano Pillars 3-2 Lobi
Enyimba 2-0 Plateau Utd
