Excitement is brewing in Lagos as Sporting Lagos, the newly-promoted football club, gears up for their highly-anticipated debut in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), MySportDab reports.
The stage is set for a thrilling clash as they prepare to face Gombe United at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onika, Lagos.
Sporting Lagos secured their NPFL promotion from the Nigeria National League at the conclusion of the 2022-2023 season.
However, their debut was briefly delayed due to a shift in the commencement of the new season, leaving fans eagerly awaiting their top-flight action.
The privately-owned club, headquartered in Lagos, has enjoyed a meteoric rise in Nigerian football. Remarkably, they ascended from the lower divisions to the elite NPFL in just two seasons.
Under the astute leadership of former Warri Wolves assistant coach, Paul Offor, Sporting Lagos has been hard at work during the preseason, bolstering their squad with notable signings, including Junior Lokosa, the former NPFL top scorer.
Their preseason success has been undeniable, notably clinching victory in the Naija Super 8 off-season competition.
The thrilling final saw Sporting Lagos triumph over Remo Stars in a penalty shootout, displaying their mettle against formidable opponents such as Akwa United and Enyimba along the way.
Founded in 2022, Sporting Lagos has already etched their name in history as the first Lagos-based club to compete in the NPFL since the days of the now-defunct MFM FC during the 2021-2022 season.
The club’s ownership is a testament to the rising influence of young Nigerian entrepreneurs in Nigerian sports. Sporting Lagos is proudly owned by Shola Akinlade, a software engineer, and entrepreneur renowned as the co-founder and CEO of Paystack. Notably, Paystack was acquired by Stripe in 2020 for a staggering $200 million.
Heading the club’s administrative helm is the esteemed Nigerian sports journalist and football administrator, Godwin Enakhena, serving as the chairman of Sporting Lagos. His vast experience and passion for the sport make him a pivotal figure in the club’s journey.
As Sporting Lagos steps onto the NPFL stage, fans and enthusiasts eagerly anticipate their performance and potential impact in Nigerian football.
With a strong preseason showing and a promising squad, the club is poised to make waves in the NPFL, further fueling the passion for football in Lagos and across Nigeria.
Stay tuned as the exciting debut unfolds at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, a momentous occasion in Lagos football history.
