Sporting Lagos, the newly established team, made an impressive mark in their inaugural appearance in the Nigeria Premier Football League by securing a 2-0 victory over Gombe United at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos on Monday night.
This modest team, which earned promotion to the NPFL just last season, showcased their potential in a stellar performance.
Rivio Ayemwerene etched their name in history by scoring Sporting Lagos’ first-ever goal in the top-flight competition, just three minutes before halftime. Ayemwerene leapt above the defense to head home an expertly delivered cross from Jonathan Alukwu.
In the closing stages of the game, Clement Nantuan widened Sporting Lagos’ lead by finding the back of the net with a magnificent strike, 11 minutes before the final whistle.
Despite being awarded a penalty deep into stoppage time, Gombe United failed to convert their chance to salvage a goal, as Mojeeb Odufeso’s effort went astray.
The next challenge for Sporting Lagos lies in their away game against the formidable Akwa United, former champions, scheduled to be held in Uyo on Sunday.
On the same day, Gombe United will have the chance to redeem themselves as they host the defending champions, Enyimba.
