The quartet of Kano Pillars, Heartland FC, Katsina United, and Sporting Lagos have all secured promotion from the Nigeria National League (NNL) to the top-tier of Nigerian club football, the Nigerian Premier League (NPL), for the 2023–24 season.
THE NEWCOMERS
All promoted sides to the 2023/24 #NPFL season
➖ Sporting Lagos FC
➖ Kano Pillars FC
➖ Katsina United FC
➖ Heartland FC#NPFL24 pic.twitter.com/JivQZGiedf
— NPFL News ???????? (@NPFL_News) July 5, 2023
Katsina Utd and Kano Pillars both faced off in a northern derby at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, on Wednesday afternoon, with the former emerging victorious thanks to a solo goal from Victor Mbaoma in the 55th minute.
The Changi boys secured qualification automatically, but Pillars relied on DMD defeating EFCC 2-0 in the other game to ensure they joined their neighbours in gaining promotion to the top flight.
Four-time NPFL winners Pillars topped the Northern Conference standings with six points, while Katsina United finished second with the same points but an inferior goal difference.
Likewise, five-time Nigerian League champions Heartland, who were in need of a victory against the already promoted Sporting, ended with a 2-1 victory on Wednesday to ensure their place in the NPL next season.
The Naze Millionaires mounted a comeback from a goal down thanks to brilliant strikes from Francis Erikan and super substitute Chidiebere Ajoku, who scored the decisive goal inside five minutes of being on the field.
FINAL TABLE pic.twitter.com/QghRhBZmsX
— Nig National League (@nnationalleague) July 5, 2023
Earlier in the week, Sporting Lagos became the first team to secure a berth in the top division following a 2-0 win over Stormers FC in Asaba.
Two second-half goals from Rivio Ayemwenre and Okon Saturday helped Sporting race to victory and ensure a place among the big boys next season after just a year of being founded.
Heartland topped the Southern Conferemce group with seven points while Sporting finished second with six points.
The twenty teams for next season’s Nigeria Premier League are now complete, with the league expected to begin on the weekend of August 26–27.
The new campaign will run in full format, unlike the abridged 2022–23 season, which was won by record winners Enyimba.
FULL LIST OF PROMOTED TEAMS FOR THE 2023/2024 NPL SEASON:
1. Enyimba FC
2. Kano Pillars
3. Enugu Rangers
4. Akwa United
5. Lobi Stars
6. Rivers United
7. Katsina United
8. Sunshine Stars
9. Abia Warriors
10. Heartland Fc
11. Sporting Lagos
12. Plateau United
13. Doma United
14. Remo Stars
15. Bendel Insurance
16. Shooting Stars
17. Gombe United
18. Niger Tornadoes
19. Bayelsa United
20. Kwara United
