At the conclusion of the 2011–12 B PFG the Sheiks barely missed on a place in the promotion play-off, finishing in third place just two points behind PFC Botev Plovdiv. However, at the halfway stage of the 2012–13 B PFG they were on top of the division and achieved promotion for the A PFG for the 2013-14 season. The club's first season in the Bulgarian elite proved to be difficult. They started well, collecting seven points from their first four games. However, Neftohimik then lost eight games in a row, putting them in 13th place. Results did not improve, as the Sheiks collected only five points from their last 14 games, thus capturing the last place in the regular season. Neftohimik only collected 12 points, scored the fewest goals from all teams, only 15, and had the worst goal difference, -51. In the relegation group, along with six other teams, the Sheiks had to achieve a miracle if they wanted to remain among the elite next season. Results somewhat improved, with the Sheiks managing to beat Beroe Stara Zagora, Lyubimets 2007, and PFC Pirin Gotse Delchev at home, as well as winning against Lyubimets away and drawing against Pirin Gotse Delchev away. They earned 25 points in total, and although they moved from 14th place to 12th place, their relegation was still confirmed, being 29 points under the relegation line, since Lokomotiv Sofia had 54 points and avoided a drop to the second level.
