Nigeria, April 17 -- Sporting Lagos have secured promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Osun United on the final day of the Nigeria National League (NNL) season.

Needing all three points to guarantee their return to the top flight, the Lagos-based side delivered when it mattered most.

The decisive moment came in the 17th minute when Aliyu Baba whipped in a precise cross that was met by Alex Leme, who guided his header into the net to hand Sporting an early lead.

The visitors were almost pegged back moments later when Osun United were awarded a penalty, but Hakeem Olalere struck the woodwork, allowing Sporting Lagos to maintain their advantage.

The result confirms a swift return to ...