Sporting Lagos were crowned champions of the 2026 Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 4, despite a 1-0 loss to Inter Lagos in their final match. The loss didn’t affect their title win, as they secured the crown on goal difference.
Sporting Lagos finished with six points, tied with Inter Lagos, but their superior goal difference of +5 made the difference. They had won their first two matches, scoring five goals and conceding none. The final-day defeat at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne did not change their standing.
Inter Lagos’ Bashiru Usman scored the only goal of the match in the seventh minute. Despite a disallowed goal from Aliyu Baba and key saves from Inter goalkeeper Saviour Atabi, the match ended 1-0 in favor of Inter. However, Sporting Lagos’ earlier victories were enough to secure the title. They were awarded N10 million in prize money by National Sports Commission chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko.
2026 NNL Super 4 Final Standings
| Club | Played | Win | Loss | Goal For | Goals Against | Goals Diff | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sporting Lagos (Champions) | 3 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 1 | +5 | 6 |
| Inter Lagos | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 6 |
| Doma United | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 3 |
| Ranchers’ Bees | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
Seun Akanji: The Tournament’s Star Player
The tournament’s standout player was Seun Akanji. He earned two Man of the Match awards after scoring one goal and providing multiple assists. Akanji was a driving force for Sporting, but his departure to Norway will be a significant loss as they prepare for their NPFL debut.
Despite the loss, Sporting Lagos showed impressive tactical discipline under coach Jeffrey Buter. They will bring their high-energy, pressing football to the NPFL for the first time in the 2026/27 season. Fans are excited for the club’s debut and hopeful for future success.
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