Lincoln City’s historic Championship promotion lifts Deji Elerewe into Super Eagles radar

Lincoln City are celebrating one of the biggest moments in their history after sealing promotion to the Championship with a dramatic 2-1 win over Reading on Monday night, Afrik-Foot reports.

The result confirmed their return to England’s second tier for the first time in 65 years and completed a remarkable rise for a club that was playing non-league football less than a decade ago.

The match itself captured the spirit of their season. Lincoln only needed a point, but the game turned tense when Reading equalised deep into stoppage time through Lewis Wing. Just when it looked like the celebrations would be delayed, Jack Moylan struck in the 96th minute to secure victory and spark wild scenes among players and fans.

This Lincoln City promotion was no accident. Under head coach Michael Skubala, Lincoln have been the standout team in League One. A long unbeaten run, stretching to 24 matches, laid the foundation for their success.

Their defence has also been key, with goalkeeper George Wickens delivering consistent performances and keeping numerous clean sheets. Smart recruitment played its part too, blending young talent with experienced players to create a balanced squad capable of handling pressure.

Deji Elerewe’s growing Lincoln City influence and Nigeria’s future option

Among those celebrating this success is Deji Elerewe, a young Nigerian defender whose role, while limited in minutes, has been important in the final stretch of the campaign.

Since joining from Bromley in January 2026, he has been used mainly as a late substitute to help protect leads and bring calm to tense situations.

Standing at 6ft 5in, Elerewe offers something different. His height and strength make him dominant in the air, especially when defending set-pieces.

In tight matches, Lincoln have relied on him to deal with crosses and long balls, giving the team extra security when it matters most. Even though he has only played a handful of minutes so far, his presence has allowed the coaching staff to rotate defenders and manage a busy schedule.

Lincoln see him as one for the future, handing him a long-term contract that shows their belief in his potential. And now, with the club moving up to the Championship, Elerewe will have a bigger stage to develop his game.

That could be important for Nigeria. Elerewe is eligible to play for both England and Nigeria, but his profile fits what the Super Eagles may soon need. With experienced defenders getting older, there is a growing focus on younger options who can bring physical strength and defensive discipline.

His style is simple but effective. He is strong in tackles, clears danger quickly, and provides a powerful presence in both penalty areas. While his passing game is still improving, his defensive qualities could make him a useful partner to more ball-playing defenders.

If he continues to grow and earns more playing time in the Championship, Deji Elerewe could soon move from a promising name to a serious option for Nigeria’s Super Eagles.