Promotion Secured: Doma United, Ranchers Bees Rejoin NPFL Elite

Promotion Secured: Doma United, Ranchers Bees Rejoin NPFL Elite 

By Niyi Busari 

Doma United FC of Gombe have secured promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), becoming the first club to confirm their return to the top flight from the Nigeria National League (NNL) this season, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The promotion marks a significant turnaround for the club, which was relegated two seasons ago and has since mounted a determined campaign to regain elite status.

Competing in Conference C, Doma United finished top of the group with 26 points from 13 matches. Their success was underpinned by a disciplined defensive approach, conceding just eight goals while scoring 17 over the course of the campaign.

The team’s strong home form proved crucial, as they recorded seven victories on their own ground. On the road, they managed one win and two draws, with three defeats that ultimately did not affect their promotion bid.

This will be Doma United’s second stint in the NPFL and represents a swift recovery from their relegation in the 2023/24 season. Their return contrasts with that of city rivals Gombe United, who were also relegated in the same season but are yet to secure a comeback.

In other NNL promotion races, Ranchers Bees clinched a return to the top division after finishing top of Conference D with 20 points from 11 matches. Beyond Limits emerged leaders in Conference A with 25 points, while Akwa United topped Conference B with 28 points.

Meanwhile, Sporting Supreme withdrew from the league, adding an unexpected development to the season’s competition.