The Mobolaji Johnson Arena witnessed history in the making as Sporting Lagos, in their maiden appearance in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), secured a remarkable 2-0 win against Gombe United on a scintillating Monday afternoon.
The anticipation in the air was palpable, as Lagos, the bustling heart of Nigeria and the entire African continent, had been longing for a top-flight club ever since MFM was relegated from the league in 2022. Enter Sporting Lagos, a team formed just two short years ago, but already capturing the hearts of Lagosians and football enthusiasts across the nation.
The debut couldn’t have been scripted any better. The Tech Boys, as they are affectionately known, kicked off with a nervy first 30 minutes, but then began to weave their magic with the ball, displaying remarkable precision. The culmination of their efforts arrived just before half-time.
The pivotal play began with Saturday Okon, the fleet-footed winger, receiving the ball on the right flank from the fullback. He executed a lightning-quick exchange with Jonathan Alukwu and proceeded to cut inside, luring a defender with him. Alukwu, in the meantime, delivered an exquisite cross into the box, where Rivio Ayemwenre soared above everyone else to head Sporting Lagos into the lead in the 42nd minute.
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The stadium erupted in jubilation, with the Onikan Stadium echoing with deafening cheers as the clock wound down to half-time.
After the break, Sporting Lagos came out with unyielding determination, eager to continue their impressive performance. They dominated the play, and it was Chisom Orji who came agonizingly close to doubling the lead, smashing a thunderous shot against the crossbar. However, substitute Clement Naantaum made no mistake in the 72nd minute, capitalizing on a rebound from Junior Lokosa’s audacious bicycle kick attempt to score the second goal.
This second goal was enough to secure all three points for the newcomers, but the drama was far from over. Gombe United was awarded a penalty in the dying moments of added time, with hopes of getting a consolation goal. However, Sporting Lagos’ goalkeeper, Christian Nwoke, emerged as the hero of the hour, making a crucial save to preserve the clean sheet and complete a perfect afternoon for coach Paul Offor and the ecstatic Sporting Lagos fans.
In their first-ever NPFL appearance, Sporting Lagos not only made history but also left an indelible mark, showcasing their potential to be a formidable force in Nigerian football. Lagos, long starved of top-flight action, has found a new footballing sensation to rally behind, and the Tech Boys are well and truly living up to the hype.
