Sporting Lagos kept their hopes of avoiding relegation alive with a hard-fought 2-1 win against dethroned champions Enyimba on Sunday, June 16, 2024.
Godwin Odibo opened the scoring for Sporting Lagos just before halftime with a well-executed team goal. However, Enyimba, who recently lost their title, equalized through top scorer Chijioke Mbaoma, who netted his 16th goal of the season from the penalty spot.
The game took a dramatic turn in the final minutes when Jonathan Alukwu scored the winner for Sporting Lagos five minutes from time, reigniting their chances of staying in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
The victory lifts Sporting Lagos to 17th place, just above the relegation zone, heading into the final game of the season. They will need a positive result in their last match to ensure their survival in the league.
Enyimba’s defeat also jeopardizes their chances of qualifying for the CAF Champions League, as they dropped to third place in the standings.
The NPFL top five after the penultimate weeked matches is as follows:
- Enugu Rangers – 67 points
- Remo Stars – 62 points
- Enyimba – 60 points
- Shooting Stars – 59 points
- Plateau United – 58 points
Sporting Lagos’ final game will determine their fate, and they will be hoping for a favorable outcome in other venues to secure their place in the NPFL for next season. Meanwhile, Enyimba will need to bounce back in their last game to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
