Throwback to when relegated Sporting Lagos dreamt of winning the NPFL

Sporting Lagos' dream of winning the NPFL has been dealt a big blow after the 'noisy Lagosian' were relegated to the second tier of Nigerian football.

Following the confirmation of their return to the Nigeria National League (NNL), we take a look back to when Sporting Lagos set a high target of winning the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Sporting Lagos joined Doma United, Heartland, and Gombe United as the three bottom teams relegated from Nigeria's top-flight league.

Meanwhile, Akwa United and Bayelsa United avoided the drop as Shooting Stars of Ibadan and Plateau United missed out on continental tickets.

Remo Stars and Enyimba FC secured the last two continental club slots for the next season, while Rangers won their eighth NPFL title.

When Sporting Lagos was promoted to the NPFL, they believed they could win the League following their victory over Gombe United FC in the first few games of the season.

The club's Chairman, Godwin Enakhena, disclosed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the club's strong beginning in the 2023/2024 NPFL season with a 2-0 victory.

He then revealed that winning the league was the club’s primary target.

He said, “The target for us is to win the league, we want to win it, and we have been drumming that for people to hear.

“Who says it is not possible? Ocean Boys of Port Harcourt have done it, and some other clubs abroad also done it.

“Winning the league is achievable. We want to play on the continental level come next season, and I think we can do that.

“We have put together some quality players that can make the difference at the end of the day,” he said.

Sporting Lagos made several statements in the League with different Matchday experiences at the Mobolaji Jhonson Arena in Lagos. However, everything ended on a sour note as they have been relegated to the NNL.