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Nigeria Premier Football League

Sporting Lagos Retain Buter Ahead of NPFL Return

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2 months ago

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Sporting Lagos have officially extended head coach Jeffery Buter’s contract ahead of the 2026/27 () season. This strategic decision keeps the English manager at the helm as the club prepares for its long-awaited return to ‘s top-flight competition. By securing Buter’s future, the club ensures stability and continuity for a squad eager to make an impact after a period of transition.

Building a Sustainable Future for Sporting Lagos

Buter’s contract renewal follows a highly successful 2025/26 campaign where he guided to the () title. This major achievement secured the club’s promotion back to the NPFL, ending a two-year absence from the top division following their relegation in 2024. The promotion marked a significant turnaround for a team that had invested heavily in its developmental infrastructure.

The English coach assumed responsibility for the senior team in 2025. Before this appointment, he gained internal experience while serving as an academy coach and assistant within the organization. This deep familiarity with the club’s philosophy proved vital. His first full season in charge resulted in the club’s first NNL title, showcasing his ability to translate academy principles into tangible senior-level success.

Pre-season Momentum and Tactical Growth

Sporting Lagos has carried their winning momentum into the current pre-season. Sporting Lagos notably triumphed in the held in Ikenne, completing the tournament without suffering a single defeat. They secured the trophy by defeating 2-1 in the final match, with Aliyu Baba and providing the winning goals. This victory has naturally increased expectations among supporters.

Despite the optimism generated by recent success, Buter remains grounded regarding the challenges of a full NPFL season. He emphasized that the focus must remain on the long-term demands of a grueling 38-game schedule. Following the Cup, Buter noted that while fans have every right to dream about success this season, the squad must remain disciplined and prepared for the intensity of elite competition.

Commitment to Youth Development

Beyond tournament results, Buter’s tenure is characterized by a strong commitment to integrating young players into the first team. During the promotion-winning campaign, the club successfully registered 10 academy players. This initiative highlights the organization’s philosophy of developing homegrown talent while simultaneously competing for major domestic honours, ensuring a steady pipeline of players for the professional ranks.

This pathway has already yielded significant success for the club’s recruitment model. Academy graduate Seun Akanji played an essential role in the team’s promotion success before earning a high-profile move to the Norwegian top-flight club Lillestrøm. This validates the club’s strategy and encourages current academy players to see a clear, tangible route to both professional development and potential international opportunities.

Buter’s new agreement represents more than just continuity on the touchline. It allows the management to maintain a consistent project centered on promotion, youth development, and long-term domestic success. As the club prepares to face Nigeria’s elite sides once again, the decision to retain the manager provides the necessary leadership to bridge the gap between second-tier dominance and top-flight sustainability.

The road ahead begins with a challenging opening fixture for Sporting Lagos. They are scheduled to kick off their 2026/27 NPFL campaign with an away match against on August 30. Following that, the team will host fellow Lagos club Ikorodu City for their first home match of the season. These initial tests will reveal how well the squad has adapted to the increased pace of the professional league.

For the supporters known as the Noisy Lagosians, the challenge has shifted significantly. Promotion has been secured, the NNL title is in the trophy cabinet, and the ValueJet Cup has been added to their pre-season achievements. The next objective is to establish the club as a permanent feature of the NPFL landscape. The coming months will determine if they can successfully convert their momentum into a sustained presence among Nigeria’s top-flight teams.

The post Sporting Lagos Retain Buter Ahead of NPFL Return appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

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Nigeria Premier Football League

Sporting Lagos honour captain Solomon Uloko after 50 appearances

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18 hours ago

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October 12, 2026

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Sporting Lagos have honoured captain with a commemorative plaque after he reached 50 appearances for the club during their Lagos derby against Ikorodu City, Made In Africa Sport reports.

The defender was presented with the plaque before ‘ Nigeria Premier Football League match against Bendel Insurance on Sunday, October 12, 2026, which they won 2–1 at home.

According to a statement on the club’s website, the milestone reflects Uloko’s growing influence since joining the club, both as a regular presence in the team and as its captain.

Uloko established himself as a regular member of the Sporting Lagos squad last season, making 18 league appearances and playing 1,755 minutes throughout the campaign.

His consistent involvement has made him an important figure in the team’s defensive setup as the Lagos-based club continue their push in Nigerian .

The defender’s contribution has extended beyond his performances on the pitch, with his leadership role growing during the previous campaign.

From Sporting Lagos regular starter to club captain

Uloko took over the captaincy midway through last season following the departure of Abdulraheem Suleman.

He embraced the responsibility and played a key role in Sporting Lagos’ promotion campaign, including scoring a brace against in the Nigeria National League () Super 4.

His appointment as captain marked another step in his development at the club, with the defender becoming an increasingly prominent figure within the squad.

The presentation before the match gave Sporting Lagos an opportunity to acknowledge Uloko’s contribution in front of the club’s supporters.

The occasion ended on a positive note as Sporting Lagos secured their third victory of the season.

The win provided an additional boost for the team as they continued their survival in the top flight, moving to eighth place on the log with 12 points from eight games.

The post Sporting Lagos honour captain Solomon Uloko after 50 appearances appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

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NPFL: Plateau end Pillars’ unbeaten run as Wolves deepen Inter Lagos’ woes

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18 hours ago

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October 12, 2026

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Plateau United delivered the standout result of 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League () matchday eight, thrashing 4–0 at the New Jos Stadium, while Warri Wolves beat Inter Lagos 3–1 at the Southern Delta University Stadium on Sunday, Made In Africa Sport reports.

The weekend’s fixtures produced seven home victories and three draws across ten matches, with no away team claiming maximum points.

, Ikorodu City, Kun Khalifat, and also recorded victories, while table toppers and dropped points in draws.

Plateau United punish Kano Pillars

Plateau United recorded the biggest victory of the NPFL round, dismantling Kano Pillars 4–0 to end the visitors’ unbeaten run.

Paul Samson opened the scoring after just three minutes, giving the hosts an early advantage.

Kano Pillars struggled to contain Plateau United, with Dayo Ojo doubling the lead in first-half stoppage time.

The hosts maintained their pressure after the break, and Samuel Ayanrinde made it 3–0 in the 82nd minute. Nenrot Silas then converted a penalty in the 90th minute to complete the rout.

The result was a major setback for Daniel Ogunmodede‘s side, who left Jos without scoring and ended their unbeaten start to the season, while the emphatic home victory propelled the Peace Boys to third with 14 points.

Warri Wolves deepen Inter Lagos’ NPFL woes

Warri Wolves grabbed a 3–1 victory over Inter Lagos, adding to the visitors’ difficult start to life in the top flight.

‎Emmanuel Aribogba netted twice for the Seasiders in the encounter.

It was initially looking like a close game when Aribogba’s 32nd-minute goal was cancelled by John Danga’s strike for Inter five minutes before the break.

The Pride of Lagos had already faced a disciplinary hurdle which saw the league body deducting three points and three goals for infractions against Katsina United.

This loss in Ozoro leaves them with more work to do as they remain rooted to the bottom of the NPFL with two points out of possible 24.

More home victories on Sunday

Sunday’s other matches saw Sporting Lagos beat Bendel Insurance 2–1, Kun Khalifat defeat 2–0 and Nasarawa United overcome by the same scoreline.

and Rivers United also shared the points after a goalless draw, allowing Rivers United to extend their unbeaten start to the season.

Barau FC and Rangers played out a 2–2 draw, with both sides settling for a point and ensuring the Flying Antelopes hold on to the top spot with 17 points, one ahead of ‘s Rivers.

Katsina United had earlier opened the weekend with a 4–2 victory over at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium on Friday in what ended as the joint highest-scoring match this season.

The result dealt another blow to Enyimba, the nine-time Nigerian champions, who have now dropped to 19th after eight matches.

On Saturday, Ikorodu City defeated 2–0. Farouk Salami opened the scoring in the second minute before Ikechukwu Junior doubled the lead in the 36th minute, while and played out a goalless draw in the other Saturday fixture.

The post NPFL: Plateau end Pillars’ unbeaten run as Wolves deepen Inter Lagos’ woes appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

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NPFL Matchday 8: Rangers, Rivers face tough away tests

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3 days ago

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October 10, 2026

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NPFL Matchday 8: Ikorodu City, face tough tests

The Matchday 8 fixtures promise an intriguing weekend of Nigerian , with Ikorodu City hosting , Rivers United travelling to Abia Warriors and Stars facing newly promoted Kun Khalifat.

The eighth round of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season also features a meeting between and International on Friday, October 9.

NPFL Matchday 8 Opens With Katsina United vs Enyimba

Weekend football begins at 5pm on Friday when Katsina United welcome Enyimba International. The encounter gives both sides an opportunity to make a statement, with the hosts hoping to use home advantage to their benefit against one of Nigerian football’s most decorated clubs.

Enyimba would look to continue on their mini resurgence and will need a disciplined performance to negotiate the encounter, while Katsina United will be eager to make their home support count.

Ikorodu City welcome Kwara United

Saturday’s action starts at 4pm as Ikorodu City host Kwara United in a fixture that could test the ambitions of both sides.

Ikorodu City will look to make the most of playing at home, using their familiarity with the surroundings to put pressure on their visitors. Kwara United, meanwhile, will aim to frustrate the hosts and leave with a positive result.

The other Saturday fixture sees take on , also at 4pm. Ranchers Bees will hope to make home advantage count, but Tornadoes will arrive with their own plans to secure points from the encounter.

Rivers United Face Abia Warriors

Sunday brings the bulk of the action, with Rivers United travelling to face Abia Warriors at 4pm.

The Port Harcourt side will be keen to deliver a strong away performance, but Abia Warriors could prove difficult opponents on home soil. The hosts will have an opportunity to disrupt Rivers United’s rhythm and turn the contest into a demanding afternoon for the visitors.

Another interesting fixture sees Shooting Stars travel to face Kun Khalifat. Shooting Stars who have not gotten a point in the road this season and have a shaky start to the season will be expected to approach the encounter with ambition, while bottom side Kun Khalifat will be determined to compete strongly against the Ibadan-based side.

Rangers, Kano Pillars in Action

Defending champions, Rangers International travel to face Barau FC, while visit . Both fixtures could produce intriguing tests, with the home sides looking to capitalise on familiar conditions.

host Doma United in another Sunday encounter. Both teams will be aware of the importance of collecting points consistently, particularly at this stage of the season when a strong run can improve a club’s standing.

Warri Wolves also welcome , with both sides seeking a positive result. Meanwhile, host Bendel Insurance in a potentially competitive contest between teams hoping to make progress in the league

Points Up for Grabs

With fixtures spread across three days, NPFL Matchday 8 offers opportunities for clubs to strengthen their hold on the standings. Home advantage could be important, but the away sides will be looking to upset expectations and take valuable points on the road.

The post NPFL Matchday 8: Rangers, Rivers face tough away tests appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

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