Sporting Lagos are closing in on one of the more eye catching signings of the NPFL off season, with the club set to complete a move for Haruna Hadi from relegated Remo Stars.

Hadi’s next destination had been uncertain since Remo Stars dropped out of the top flight at the end of the 2025/26 campaign, with third-placed Shooting Stars long considered the frontrunners given their need to strengthen for continental football. According to NPFL analyst Mike The Pundit, however, Sporting Lagos moved late and pulled off a surprise hijack, agreeing terms with Remo Stars on a contract that will run until 2028.

The appeal of staying close to home appears to have played a part in his decision, with the move simply taking him from one Lagos club to another rather than requiring a relocation.

Hadi arrives with genuine top-flight pedigree, having been part of the Remo Stars squad that won the NPFL title two seasons ago. He has also featured for Nigeria at continental level, forming part of the home based Super Eagles squad eliminated in the group stage of last year’s CHAN tournament.

His displays last season, playing alongside Victor Mbaoma, marked what many consider a breakout campaign, according to Nigerian football analyst Samuel Areo, who likened his style to Aston Villa attacker Morgan Rogers. Areo described Hadi as intelligent on the ball, dangerous in the final third, and capable of picking out penetrative passes, while noting his defensive contribution is more limited. Summing up the move, Areo simply called it, “a good capture for Sporting Lagos.”

Sporting Lagos are yet to confirm the signing officially, but the club is expected to announce the deal once formalities are completed. The move represents a statement of intent for the Noisy Lagosians as they return to the top flight two seasons after their own relegation, with the new NPFL season tentatively set to begin on the weekend of August 27-29.