Jeff Butter Sets Promotion Sights as Sporting Lagos Rules Conference B Standings

Sporting Lagos has reached the midpoint of the Nigeria National League (NNL) season with their promotion dreams very much alive and well. After a grueling first stanza, the “Tech Boys” find themselves perched at the summit of the Conference B table, tallying 13 points from their opening seven fixtures. The Lagos-based side solidified their dominance just before the festive break with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Ekiti United at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena—a result that underscored their grit as much as their tactical depth.

Head coach Jeff Butter, who took the reins earlier this year following the departure of Shola Adegun to Plateau United, has been the architect of this disciplined run. Speaking in the wake of the narrow win over Ekiti, the English tactician expressed immense pride in his squad’s ability to navigate a high-pressure environment. Butter noted that entering the New Year as table-toppers provides a psychological edge that his team is eager to exploit when the league resumes for its final decisive stretch.

The victory over Ekiti United was far from straightforward, as the visitors pushed Sporting Lagos to the limit until the final whistle. Butter credited his players for sticking to the game plan under duress, emphasizing that “staying close to the promotion places” was the non-negotiable objective for the first half of the campaign. Having ticked that box, the focus now shifts to maintaining the consistency required to navigate a division famously regarded as one of Africa’s most competitive and physically demanding.

Sporting’s rise to the top is particularly impressive given the club’s recent history of high turnover and the heartbreak of relegation from the top flight. Under Butter’s guidance, the team has found a balance between the flair Lagos fans expect and the defensive sturdiness needed for NNL survival. With a squad depth that features impactful substitutes like Akanji Seun—the hero of the Ekiti match—the coaching staff believes they have the right mix to push all the way to the Super Eight playoffs.

As the second stanza looms in the early months of 2026, the road ahead remains fraught with challenges. The promotion race in Conference B is exceptionally tight, with the likes of Abakaliki FC and Akwa United breathing down Sporting’s neck. Butter is under no illusions that the second half of the season will be anything other than a battle, but he remains confident that the momentum gained in 2025 will serve as a launchpad for their Premier League return.

The immediate next step for the league leaders is a daunting trip to Uyo to face Godswill Akpabio FC. Playing in the heart of Akwa Ibom has historically been a tough assignment for Lagos sides, but Butter sees the fixture as the perfect opportunity to set the tone for the remainder of the year. The preparation during the mid-season break will be focused on fitness and tactical refinement to ensure the “Tech Boys” don’t suffer the late-season fatigue that has hampered past campaigns.

For the Sporting Lagos faithful, the sight of their club atop the standings is a welcomed Christmas gift. The club’s management has echoed Butter’s sentiments, promising continued support to ensure the team has every tool necessary for success. With the second stanza on the horizon, the message from the Mobolaji Johnson Arena is clear: the mission is only half-complete, and the push for promotion will not relent until the job is done.