The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has postponed the Matchday 2 Lagos derby between Sporting Lagos and Ikorodu City, with a new date yet to be announced, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The fixture was initially scheduled for Sunday, September 6, 2026, with kick-off set for 4:00 p.m. at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos.

The postponement comes amid a challenging stadium arrangement in Lagos, where three NPFL clubs, Sporting Lagos, Ikorodu City and Inter Lagos, are all using the Mobolaji Johnson Arena as their home venue during the 2026/27 campaign.

With the three teams sharing the same facility, clashes in their respective home schedules have become a possibility, particularly when league fixtures are arranged within a short period.

The development means supporters will have to wait longer for what was expected to be one of the early highlights of the new NPFL season, with the derby anticipated to draw considerable attention from football fans across Lagos.

The fixture also carries added importance as all three Lagos-based clubs continue to strengthen their presence in Nigeria's top flight, creating increased competition for supporters and football identity within the state.

Sporting Lagos will be hoping to maintain a strong start to the campaign as they continue their rise among Nigeria's emerging clubs, while Ikorodu City will be keen to make further progress after establishing themselves in the NPFL.

Inter Lagos' presence in the league has further complicated the use of the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, with the three clubs depending on the same venue for their home matches.

The NPFL organisers are now expected to find a suitable alternative date that works for both Sporting Lagos and Ikorodu City while also taking the stadium's availability into consideration.

A new date for the Lagos derby is expected to be communicated by the league authorities in due course.

Until then, both clubs will turn their attention to their other fixtures as the 2026/27 NPFL season continues.

Ikorodu City made a flying start to the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season, coming from behind to defeat newly promoted Ranchers Bees 3-1 and move to the top of the table, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

Ranchers Bees stunned the hosts by taking the lead in the seventh minute, but Umar Dan’Azumi restored parity for the Oga Boys in the 30th minute.

Ikorodu City completed the turnaround just before half-time when Abayomi Ayodeji found the net, before Farouk Salami converted a penalty in the 87th minute to seal a 3-1 victory.

Elsewhere, Rivers United announced their intentions with a convincing 2-0 home victory over Plateau United in Port Harcourt. Abdulrasheed Dabai opened the scoring in the sixth minute before Wasiu Falolu doubled the advantage in the 38th minute, handing last season’s runners-up a comfortable start.

Kwara United produced one of the weekend’s biggest comebacks, recovering from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Kano Pillars in Ilorin. Shola Abdulraheem gave Pillars an early lead in the 12th minute before Rabiu Ali doubled the advantage 17 minutes later.

Alex Jerry reduced the deficit two minutes after the restart, before completing the comeback with a dramatic equaliser in the seventh minute of stoppage time.

Bendel Insurance also came from behind to defeat Warri Wolves 2-1. Eventus Itolowo put Wolves ahead in the fifth minute, but Kayode Oke levelled from the penalty spot in the 20th minute. Alex Oweilayefa then scored two minutes into the second half to complete Insurance’s comeback.

In Minna, Niger Tornadoes edged Enyimba 2-1. Aliyu Goyi gave the hosts the lead in the 40th minute, while Wonah Williams restored parity for Enyimba in the 71st minute. Michael Olalusi, however, struck seven minutes later to secure all three points for Tornadoes.

Barau FC also enjoyed a winning NPFL debut, defeating Nasarawa United 3-1. Joseph Atule opened the scoring in the 15th minute, while Abubakar Abdullahi equalised for Nasarawa five minutes later.

Barau regained the lead through Al’Amin Umar in the 78th minute before Sugau Aliyu added a third four minutes later. Atule’s early goal also marked the beginning of his pursuit of a personal target of 20 goals this season.

Reigning champions Rangers were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Katsina United at their adopted home ground in Abeokuta. Luis Dadong put Katsina ahead in the 38th minute before Chibueze Oputa rescued a point for Rangers in the seventh minute of added time.

Rangers’ equaliser came after Katsina United goalkeeper parried Oputa’s effort into his own net.

Meanwhile, Doma United marked their return to the NPFL with a 2-0 victory over fellow returnees Sporting Lagos in Gombe. Sadiq Rilwan opened the scoring in the eighth minute before Daniel Simon added the second in the 75th minute to complete a winning return for the hosts.

With the opening round producing goals, comebacks and late drama, Ikorodu City emerge as the early pace-setters in the 2026/27 NPFL campaign.

Matchday 1 results:

Shooting Stars 2-1 Inter Lagos

Abia Warriors 0-0 Kun Khalifat FC

Kwara United 2-2 Kano Pillars

Barau FC 3-1 Nasarawa United

Bendel Insurance 2-1 Warri Wolves

Rangers 1-1 Katsina United

Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Enyimba

Ikorodu City 3-1 Ranchers Bees

Doma United 2-0 Sporting Lagos

Rivers United 2-0 Plateau United

Sporting Lagos have been crowned champions of the 2026 ValueJet Cup after defeating Remo Stars 2-1 in an entertaining final at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Aliyu Baba and Sodiq Ayoade scored for Sporting Lagos, while Taiwo Oyetunde got Remo Stars’ only goal as the Lagos-based club secured the trophy.

Sporting Lagos’ triumph caps an impressive run in the off-season tournament, which featured several leading Nigerian clubs and provided participants with an opportunity to prepare for the new campaign.

The 2026 edition was held from August 9 to 16 and once again highlighted the growing importance of the ValueJet Cup on the Nigerian football calendar. The competition gives coaches the chance to assess new players, experiment with tactical approaches and improve match fitness ahead of the season.

For Sporting Lagos, the victory provides an early boost ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League campaign, while Remo Stars will have to settle for the runners-up position.

This year’s tournament was also dedicated to the memory of Otunba Tade Azeez, a respected Nigerian football administrator and former chairman of the ValueJet Cup who made notable contributions to football and refereeing development in the country.

With the tournament now concluded, Sporting Lagos will carry their ValueJet Cup success into preparations for the new NPFL season as they look to build on their impressive off-season campaign.

Sporting Lagos, Inter Lagos, Doma United, and Ranchers Bees have officially been inducted into the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) ahead of the 2026/27 campaign after participating in the league's orientation programme for newly promoted clubs, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The induction exercise, organised by the NPFL management, was designed to familiarise the quartet with the operational procedures, regulations, and expectations of Nigeria's top-flight league before the start of the new season.

During the orientation programme, officials from the four clubs were taken through key areas of club licensing requirements, league operations, administrative procedures, and other regulatory guidelines necessary for participation in the NPFL.

The exercise forms part of the league body's efforts to ensure that newly promoted clubs are fully equipped to meet the operational, financial, and organisational standards required in the country's elite division.

Sporting Lagos, Inter Lagos, Doma United, and Ranchers Bees secured promotion after impressive campaigns and will now be looking to establish themselves among Nigeria's top-flight clubs in the forthcoming season.

Meanwhile, preparations for the 2026/27 campaign will continue on Tuesday when representatives of all 20 clubs expected to participate in the new NPFL season are scheduled to meet with league organisers.

The meeting is expected to address key issues ahead of the new campaign, including operational guidelines, fixtures, club licensing compliance, and other administrative matters as the countdown to another exciting NPFL season gathers pace.

The Nigeria National League has reinforced its growing stature with a high-profile Super Four draw ceremony held in Lagos, where a significant financial incentive for participating clubs was unveiled, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

At the event, Chief Executive Officer of Toptier Sports Management, Chichi Nwoko, announced that the winners of the 2026 NNL Super Four tournament will receive a cash prize of ?10 million, while the three other competing teams will each earn ?2 million.

The ceremony attracted key stakeholders in Nigerian football, including the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade; the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Musa Gusau; and the Chairman of Remo Stars F.C., Kunle Soname.

Former Nigerian internationals Victor Ikpeba and Daniel Amokachi were also in attendance, adding further prestige to the event held at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja.

Speaking during the ceremony, Nwoko stressed the league’s ambition to improve standards and competitiveness through enhanced incentives, noting that the prize structure reflects a commitment to rewarding excellence and boosting the competition’s appeal.

The Super Four tournament is scheduled to take place from May 4 to May 8, 2026, at the Remo Stars Stadium.

Fixtures:

Matchday 1 – May 4

Sporting Lagos vs Ranchers Bees

Doma United vs Inter Lagos

Matchday 2 – May 6

Ranchers Bees vs Inter Lagos

Sporting Lagos vs Doma United

Matchday 3 – May 8

Doma United vs Ranchers Bees

Inter Lagos vs Sporting Lagos

With a total prize pool of ?16 million at stake, alongside the prestige of emerging champions, the tournament is expected to deliver an intense and competitive spectacle as the four clubs battle for supremacy.

Sporting Lagos have secured promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Osun United in Osogbo, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Heading into the decisive final-day fixture, Sporting Lagos knew only a win would guarantee their return to the top flight, and they delivered with a disciplined away performance to clinch the lone promotion ticket from Conference B. The result saw them finish top with 36 points.

For Osun United, the defeat capped a disappointing campaign, confirming their relegation to the Nationwide League One after a season plagued by inconsistency.

Elsewhere, Akwa United kept their hopes alive with a 2-1 win over Solution FC in Awka. However, despite the victory, they narrowly missed out on promotion, finishing second with 35 points, just one behind Sporting Lagos.

Other results on the final day saw First Bank FC play out a thrilling 3-3 draw against Godswill Akpabio United, while Stormers suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Ekiti United. Calabar Rovers also recorded a 1-0 win over Abakaliki FC, though it was not enough to avoid the drop.

At the end of the campaign, First Bank FC, Osun United, and Calabar Rovers were relegated.

Sporting Lagos’ promotion also marks a significant milestone for football in Lagos State, with Ikorodu City, Inter Lagos, and Sporting Lagos set to feature together in the NPFL next season for the first time.

Sporting Lagos are edging closer to a return to the Nigeria Premier Football League as the race for promotion from the Nigeria National League Conference B heads into a decisive finale, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Lagos-based side requires maximum points from their remaining fixtures against Rovers FC and Osun United to seal promotion and end their two-year absence from the top flight.

Sporting Lagos has gathered momentum at a crucial stage of the campaign, delivering consistent performances that have placed them firmly in control of their fate. Their balance across the squad and disciplined approach have made them favourites heading into the final stretch.

However, the promotion race remains tightly contested, with Akwa United still in the hunt. The Uyo-based side currently leads Conference B with 31 points and must secure victory against Solution FC while hoping Sporting Lagos drops points in either of their remaining matches.

Akwa United have impressed throughout the season with a solid defensive structure and efficient attacking play, ensuring they remain competitive in what has been a closely fought group.

With little margin for error, both teams face high-pressure fixtures that will ultimately determine who secures promotion. While Sporting Lagos holds a slight advantage, Akwa United’s persistence sets up a thrilling conclusion to the Conference B race.

Defender Femi Ladeinde has expressed his dissatisfaction with Sporting Lagos following his move Stormers FC of Abeokuta, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Left full back who can also play central back while speaking with AGT,  shared his thoughts on his time at Sporting Lagos, and looks ahead to his new adventure.

"I didn't like how I left Sporting Lagos because I i felt that I could give more to the club, but I'm thankful to God for the things that I've achieved at the club.", he said.

The "Terminator " described his move away from the Tech Boys side as leaving his "comfort zone", however Abeokuta is his hometown and it will be great playing there.

I love Sporting Lagos. after playing in Lagos for 3 seasons in NNL, I've decided to push myself a bit further by playing outside my comfort zone.

Abeokuta is my hometown, and playing in my state is a great delight for me."

Ladeinde hopes to do well at Stormers Sports Club and help the club achieve their goals.

Uche Dozie 

Sporting Lagos have confirmed the appointment of Jeffery Buter as the club's new head coach ahead of the new NNL campaign, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

https://twitter.com/SportingLagos/status/1966064964885491945?t=zSzRoc-owfM8g8k66gW1LQ&s=19

He previously worked as an assistant to former head coach Shola Adegun, who is now at NPFL side Plateau United.

He joined the Tech Boys in 2023 as an Academy assistant coach and played a key role in their 2024 Gothia Puma Trophy win.

He stepped up to the first team last season as assistant coach and now takes the helm as Head Coach.

He holds English FA and Scottish FA licenses and is currently completing his UEFA C license.

Uche Dozie

The Tech Boys lost 0-2 in the Gothia Puma trophy U-17 Boys category quarter final against Right to Dream FC at the SKF Arena on Thursday.

Bi Voli Bryan Christian Zamble scored twice in the 21st minutes and 42nd minutes to give the Ghanaian club the win.

Right to Dream had defeated Derby Football Club of Nigeria in their first game of group 3 before going on to win their remaining matches leading to the last 8.

Sporting Lagos until the quarter final won two matches and drew one in group 4 before beating IFK Norrkoping in the round of 16.

Right to Dream FC play another Nigerian side, Beyond Limits in the semi final.

Uche Dozie

Sporting Lagos Football Club earned a. Empathic win in their last home game of the season to keep themselves in good stead for qualification to the Nigeria National League Super 8, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Tech Boys defeated First Bank FC 4-0 at the Onikan Stadium on Sunday to maintain second spot in Conference B.

Seun Akanji put the host ahead with a fine finish, after great work and cross from Kelvin on the flank in the 15th minutes as the first half ended with the score remaining 1-0.

Akanji made it 2 on 54 minutes as he finished off a quick counter to get his second of the afternoon before Aliyu Baba got the third on 70 minutes.

Solomon Uloko added the fourth, wrapping up victory in the final home game in style.

The win sees Sporting Lagos in second with 31 points after 19 matches played.

Uche Dozie

Reports reaching Nigeriasoccernet.com say that Sporting Lagos Football Club is set to promote academy Coach, Shola Adegun as the substantive coach of the club.

According to Nigeria ace journalist, Ojeikere Aikhoje Adegun is one that the club to start their life again in the Nigeria National League after their relegation from the Nigeria Premier Football League.

The report says the Noisy Lagosians are ready to follow the path of Beyond Limit whose Coach, Olumide Ajibolade, won the second-tier NNL and promoted the team to NPFL.

Adegun who is currently the head coach of Sporting Lagos Academy led the club to success at the 2024 Gothia Cup in Sweden.

Uche Dozie

The midfielder after a stellar season in the Nigeria Premier Football League signed a 1-year deal with ASKÖ OEDT and a move to LASK at the end of the season.

The 21 year-old who scored twelve goals and provided two assists rejected a deal from Rivers United before joining the Austrian side.

The newly promoted side to the Austrian third division will release an official statements in the coming days.

Uche Dozie

The former Remo Stars midfielder leaves Sporting Lagos after the club got relegated and willing to make a move to topflight football.

It is understood that the winger has agreed to the move and could travel in the next 72hrs to conclude all formalities according to Nigeria Premier Football League transfer expert, Mike the Pundit.

As winners of the Rwanda league, APR FC will play in the CAF Champions League this season and other things being equal Odibo will play with fellow compatriot, Victor Mbaoma at the club.

Uche Dozie

Veteran broadcaster and chairman of Sporting Lagos Football Club, Godwin Enakhena has disclosed that the club will not buy Nigeria Premier Football League slot from Beyond Limit, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Following their relegation from the NPFL, reports have been rife on one of the relegated teams especially Sporting Lagos and Heartland FC buying the slot of Beyond Limit, but the football administrator says it is not in the plan of the club.

Mr. Enakhena while responding to comments on his X post disclosed that the club is not willing to buy any slot, but will rather fight to comeback soon to topflight football.

Godwin had posted a statement apologizing to fans for the Noisy Lagosians' failure to remain in the league.

He said "If I gladly received accolades when Sporting Lagos gained promotion to the NPFL and Naija Super 8 win, why would I be angry now if I'm blamed for the team's relegation? I apologise to the fans, we'll be back shortly in the npfl. What I've issues with are the wrong accusations."

In one of the comments to the post insinuating of the club will buy the Premiership league slot, Godwin  said:

"Buying a space is not an option, they'd rather play from the lower division back to the top...you get it now?"

Also, when being asked to buy the slot by another respondent to the post, he replied:

"I don't own Sporting Lagos, and that's not their plan.

Uche Dozie

Sporting Lagos have been relegated to the Nigeria National League on the last day of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League season on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

A 1-0 loss to Shooting Stars Sports Club condemned the Noisy Lagosians to the drop zone in just their maiden season in the league.

Christian Pyagbara put the Oluyole Warriors ahead on 38 minute, goal that proved enough to earn all points for 3SC at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex.

Sporting Lagos join Doma United who played 1-1 against Abia Warriors and  Heartland FC and Gombe United arr already relegated.

Uche Dozie

Bayelsa United came from behind to beat Shooting Stars 2-1 at the Samson Siasia Stadium while Sporting Lagos also defeated former champions, Enyimba FC 2-1 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan.

Christian Pyagbara had put the visitors ahead on 26 minute, but the Prosperity Boys staged a comeback back courtesy of two goals by John Bassey on 76 and 90 minutes.

In Lagos, Sporting Lagos took their destiny into their own hands after beating former champions, Enyimba FC despite an early penalty miss by Junior Lokosa.

Godwin Odibo fired home the first goal of the encounter at the stroke of half time, but the visitors levelled score on 74 minute after Chijioke Mbaoma scored from the spot.

However, a slip from the defense of Enyimba gave Jonathan Alukwu the opportunity to calmly finish on 85 minute.

The win takes Bayelsa United to 47  points in 15 place while Sporting Lagos have 43 points in 17 position, leaving aal to play for the last matchday of the season.

Uche Dozie 

News reaching Nigeriasoccernet.com days Abdullahi Biffo will be the new coach of Nigeria Premier Football League side, Sporting Lagos after the sack of Coach Paul Offor, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The news filtered in after Sporting Lagos confirmed the exit of Offor who helped the club gain promotion to the NPFL last season after the match against Sunshine Stars.

It was said that the decision to sack Offor had Ben made prior to the match as Buffo took charge of training already to be assisted by Ashifat, his trusted hand at Kwara Utd.

Coach Biffo managed Kwara Utd from the 2019/20 season until August 30, 2022 where he oversaw 96 matches, maintaining an average of 1.53 points per match.

Uche Dozie

Lagos based Nigeria Premier Football League side Sporting Lagos Football Club has parted company with head coach Paul Offor, report Nigeriasoccernet.com.

"On behalf of everyone at Sporting Lagos, the Club would like to express its gratitude to Coach Paul for his efforts and achievements during his time with the Club," the club statement reads.

"Coach Paul will forever have a place in Sporting Lagos history after leading us to our first-ever NPFL promotion and winning our first-ever piece of silverware — the Naija Super 8 Competition. The Club and fans alike will miss the energy and polish he brought to the touchline."

"After reviewing our performance so far this season, the Club believes it is the right time to make a change.

"Coach Paul will leave with his assistant coaches, Coach Micah Bello and Coach Edward Green. We are grateful for their time at Sporting Lagos."

Paul Offor joined Sporting Lagos on the 25th of March, 2023 having previously coached Warri Wolves and CIFAS.

Meanwhile, former Kwara United boss, Abdullahi Biffo has joined the team with eight games to the end of the season.

Sporting Lagos currently sit 11th on the log with 38 points from 30 games.

By Oluwayemi Omolagba 

Sunshine Stars Coach, Kennedy Boboye has chose to move ahead and focus on the next game rather than brood over their matchday 30 loss against Sporting Lagos on Tuesday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Sporting Lagos defeated Sunshine Stars in the Southwest derby 1-0 courtesy of a Paschal Durugbor 9 minute header at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan Lagos.

Kennedy Boboye in his post match interview rued missed chances, but sort to move on to their next match.

"It's not a result we wanted , having played so well , but that's football , we are not disturbed, I'm picking the positives from the tie , atimes Derbies are like that , our focus is our next match "

Sunshine Stars play reigning champions, Enyimba at the Ondo state sports complex as they continue to fight not make the drop zone.

By Uche Dozie