Kastina United, Kano Pillars and Heartland FC on Wednesday, picked up Nigerian Premier Football League tickets to join Sporting Lagos and complete the available promotion spots.

The sides will now take part in the NPFL when it kicks off on the 26/27 of August 2023.

Heartland FC finished top of the Southern Conference with seven points while Kano Pillars finished top of the Northern Conference with six points. The two sides will battle it out in the finals on Friday to determine the winner of the 2022/23 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.

Heartland came from behind to defeat Sporting Lagos 2-1, to finish top and book a place in the finals while Kano Pillars got a 1-0 win over Nothern Rivals, Kastina United. Victor Mboama’s goal was what set the northern sides apart at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

Kastina United’s loss did not hurt their bid to be promoted but it dented all hopes to fight for the NNL title, as they finished as the second-best team losing out to Kano Pillars on goal difference.

Sporting Lagos lost out on a chance to play for the NNL title after a 2-1 defeat against Heartland FC on Wednesday in the last games of the group.

Kastina United, Kano Pillars and Heartland FC were relegated in the 2021/22 season.