Sporting Lagos made a vibrant entrance into the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) during the 2023-2024 season, capturing the hearts of many football enthusiasts in Lagos with their innovative approach to running a professional football club. Their rise to the NPFL was rapid, having been promoted just 18 months after their formation, and they quickly became fan favorites.
Sporting Lagos’ debut season in the NPFL was notable for their professionalism and the quality of their performances, drawing large crowds to their home games at Onikan Stadium. However, their promising start took a downturn in the second half of the season.
The club began to lose matches they were expected to win, leading to the dismissal of coach Paul Offor. Despite being in 11th place after matchday 30, Offor was replaced by veteran coach Abdullahi Biffo, who struggled to turn the team’s fortunes around. Ultimately, Sporting Lagos was relegated from the NPFL in their debut season.
In an interview with Naija News, club chairman Godwin Enakhena discussed the reasons behind the club’s unexpected relegation. “Our projection was to become champions,” he said. “What we got wrong was our recruitment of players from the start. We’ve learned useful lessons that will guide us moving forward.”
Enakhena emphasized the importance of having experienced leaders both on and off the pitch. “It’s good to have youthful players, but you need to plant people with the right experience around them,” he added.
Despite the setback, Sporting Lagos is determined to return to the NPFL. The club’s focus is now on recruiting the right players and staff to ensure a successful campaign in the Nigeria National League (NNL) and a swift return to the top division. “Getting the right personnel on and off the pitch is crucial,” Enakhena noted. “We offer incentives that are hard to resist, even for the best players in Nigeria.”
Many of Sporting Lagos’ standout players from the past season, such as Jonathan Alukwu, Godwin Odibo, and Junior Lokosa, may seek opportunities elsewhere due to the club’s relegation. Enakhena acknowledged this, stating, “We don’t hold down any player. They are free to pursue better offers. But we will make an effort to keep our best legs.”
Regarding the future of the coaching staff, Enakhena said, “A decision will be made soon, and you’ll be one of the first to know.”
To the fans, Enakhena expressed gratitude for their unwavering support and promised better days ahead. “We appreciate the wonderful support from the start, and we don’t take it for granted. Stick with us because better days are ahead. Let’s go Sporting!”