Sporting Lagos were crowned champions of the 2025/26 Nigeria National League Super Four on Friday evening despite suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to city rivals Inter Lagos in a dramatic final day showdown at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.
The highly anticipated Lagos derby attracted a capacity crowd and delivered tension, intensity and high-quality football as both newly promoted sides battled for the NNL crown.
NNL Sporting Lagos Crowned Super Four Champions
Inter Lagos struck early through Hassan Bashiru, whose sixth-minute goal proved decisive in a fiercely tactical encounter.
Jeffrey Butler’s Sporting Lagos side entered the final round top of the standings with six points after victories in their opening two games, but they struggled to break down a disciplined Inter Lagos team that frustrated their attacking moves throughout the contest.
Despite the defeat, Sporting Lagos still finished level on six points with Inter Lagos and secured the title on superior goal difference.
Their commanding 4-0 victory over Doma United earlier in the tournament ultimately proved decisive after they had also edged Ranchers Bees 1-0 in their opening fixture.
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Inter Lagos, meanwhile, recovered strongly after losing their first match to Doma United before recording back-to-back victories over Ranchers Bees and Sporting Lagos. However, their inferior goal difference denied them the championship.
Sporting Lagos went home with the N10 million prize money for emerging champions, alongside an additional N2.5 million. While other participating teams each received N2 million.
Meanwhile, Ranchers Bees defeated Doma United 3-1 in the other Super Four fixture played simultaneously.
Kabiru Salisu scored twice for Ranchers Bees, while Stephen Pam added the third goal. Mustapha Bashir grabbed Doma United’s consolation goal.
NNL Chairman George-Aluo
Speaking after the tournament, NNL chairman George Aluo expressed satisfaction with the organization and growing popularity of the league.
“I’m highly excited that the Super Four was a huge success with a lot of innovations,” Aluo said.
“The full capacity crowd that watched the game is a testament that the second tier league is now a household name in the country, and we will continue to raise the bar and make it the most attractive league in the country.”
He also praised businessman and Remo Stars owner Kunle Soname for hosting the tournament, while appreciating sponsors for supporting the competition.
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With the Super Four concluded, Sporting Lagos, Inter Lagos, Ranchers Bees and Doma United will now shift focus toward strengthening their squads ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season.
