Things are gradually taking shape ahead of the 2017/18 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.
While the likes of ABS FC, Gombe United, Shooting Stars and Remo Stars will play no part in the upcoming campaign, four teams have since taken over their spots.
Here we take a look at the sides promoted to the NPFL and how they made it through.
- Kwara United
Kwara United was the first team to book a ticket to the elite division. The Harmony Boys garnered 44 points from 22 games from the Northern Conference. However, John Obuh’s lads must show they’re no longer a yo-yo team, having suffered relegation twice in the last three seasons.
- Yobe Desert Stars
Staging an unprecedented comeback to the top flight after 15 years is Yobe Desert Stars. Yobe, who finished second with six points behind Kwara, achieved this feat at the expense of Jigawa Golden Stars. The Desert Stars will be motivated by their exploits in the Aiteo Cup, where they stunned Kano Pillars.
- Heartland FC
Heartland FC kept their promise of returning to the NPFL after just one season. The Nazi Millionaires were relegated to the lower ranks for the first time in 2016. However, the five-time champions finished top of the Southern Conference with 61 points.
- Go Round FC
While Heartland sealed their spot with a game in hand, Go Round took theirs down to the wires. The River-based team leapfrogged Bayelsa United after beating First Bank 4-0 on the final day of the season. Round will be rubbing shoulders with the big boys for the first time, having only been created barely three years ago.
