Sporting Lagos 2-0 Gombe United: Tech Boys lights up NPFL with historic win
LAGOS – Sporting Lagos defeated Gombe United 2-0 in matchday one of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan on Monday, 2 October 2023.
It was a historic evening for Sporting Lagos, as this was the club’s first-ever victory in the NPFL, having just earned promotion to the top-flight league after a single season in the Nigeria National League (NNL).
The Tech Boys, also affectionately known as the Noisy Lagosians, triumphed over the experienced side, Gombe United, in their inaugural top-flight match.
Sporting got off to an impressive start, dominating play right from the referee’s initial whistle.
Jonathan Alukwu and Saturday Okon created numerous chances in the opening five minutes, with Okon coming closest to scoring after a series of passes involving himself, Chinedu Ufere, and Jonathan Alukwu that unsettled the visitors’ defence. However, the final delivery missed the target.
The Noisy Lagosians found joy in the 43rd minute when former Dakkada midfielder, Rivio Ayenware was left completely unmarked in the six-yard box. He gave the home side the lead heading into half-time.
Despite a tactical substitution made by Gombe United coach, Mohammed Baba Ganaru, Sporting Lagos resumed the second half from where they left off in the first period.
Former Remo Stars forward and CAF Champions League winner Junior Lokosa entered the game for Sporting Lagos in the second half, and his fresh legs proved too much for the away side.
Sporting doubled their lead in the 71st minute through Clement Naantaum after Gombe goalkeeper Itodo Akor fumbled Junior Lokosa’s acrobatic effort.
Sporting successfully held onto their two-goal lead until the final minutes of added time.
Patrick Egeonu lost possession on the edge of his penalty area, gifting the away side an opportunity that ultimately resulted in a penalty. However, Mojeeb Odufeso’s attempt only grazed the post in agonizing fashion.
The referee then blew the final whistle, and it elated the Sporting players to share this historic afternoon with their fans.
