Nine minutes in and Paschal Durugbor’s header put Sporting Lagos ahead in the contest.
The visitors settled into the game after the setback, but they couldn’t convert their chances.
Sporting Lagos survived a scare in the 75th minute as Sunshine Stars were denied a penalty for a foul on Emmanuel Ogbuagu.
Paul Offor’s side held on for the win to improve their position on the table to 10th with 38 points — four above relegation zone.