They have been branded “noisy neigbours”, but there is no taking away the fact that Sporting Lagos were a welcome breath of fresh air to the NPFL this past season.
The carnival-like football experience their growing fans base brought to their home games at the Mobaji Johnson Arena in Lagos and colourful road shows were an eye opener.
Our last road trip to Ikenne was full of laughs, chants and great football ⚽️
— Sporting Lagos (@SportingLagos) June 21, 2024
This Sunday, we’re heading to Ibadan for the biggest match of our season!
🎟️Standard tickets – N7500
🎫All-inclusive tickets – N10k
Get your tickets here 👇🏾https://t.co/dskqUiL0It pic.twitter.com/BTL0eXNyZT
The players’ fat contracts were respected and that attracted former NPFL Goal King Junior Lokosa and former youth internationals Chisom Orji and Godwin Odibo.
However, after a bright start to life in the top flight Sporting Lagos could not match this excitement in the stands with results on the pitch and so a prompt return to the lower league.
Change of coaches – Abdullahi Biffo for Paul Offor -midway through the campaign did not deliver a change in fortunes for the team.
A big win on the final day of the season at continental football-chasing Shooting Stars would have seen Sporting Lagos stay up and in their place Akwa United going down.
However, a first-half strike by Shooting Stars striker Christian Pyagbara relegated them back to the lower league.
The club owned by fin-tech billionnaire Shola Akinlade have promised their fans a quick return to the NPFL.
“After a whirlwind debut season in the NPFL, yesterday’s result confirms our relegation. It’s been an emotional several weeks — an emotional year,” the Lagos club posted on X.
“From a seven-game winless streak and a blowout SW derby, to Lagos Island roadshows and away game road trips, this has been a season to remember.
“But this is a 100-year project — today’s setbacks are tomorrow’s stepping stones. We will surely be back in top flight as soon as possible.
“To our fans who travel from near and far and have stuck with us through every win and loss — we say a big thank you. You have made every blow less painful and every triumph infinitely more meaningful.
“Oh our fans, we love you.
“We go again! Let’s go Sporting.”
