Sporting Lagos make Nigeria Premier Football League winning debut against Gombe United

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Sporting Lagos secured a 2-0 win against Gombe United in the Lagos-based side’s first-ever game in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, on Monday.

With two minutes to the end of the first half, Jonathan Alukwu set up Rivio Ayemwenre who scored Sporting’s first goal in the NPFL.

Clement Naantaum doubled the lead for the hosts in the 73rd minute to seal the win.

In the additional minutes of the second half, the visitors had the chance to reduce the deficit from the spot when goalkeeper, Christian Nwoke fouled Chijoke Alaekwe in the box.

Mojeeb Odifeso’s penalty was saved by the goalkeeper and the win sent Sporting Lagos to the second position on the Nigerian league table after their maiden match.

It will be the first time that top-flight football is taking place in Lagos since the 2021/2022 season.

MFM FC was the last Lagos-based team to play in the top-flight and was relegated at the end of the 2021/2022 season.

Oluwaseun Oyediji

Oluwaseun Babatunde Oyediji is a multi-media sports journalist with over 10 years experience in Information Communication Technology (ICT), women's football, and beach soccer reportage.The prolific writer is the Media Assistant to Nigeria Beach Soccer League and Africa Beach Soccer Union as well as contributor on Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) website.He has covered multiple national and international football tournaments including Championship of African Nations (CHAN 2020), CAF Women's Champions League (2023), and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023).Since 2021, Oyediji has covered the NWFL Premiership especially the season ending Super Six Playoffs.A member of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun state chapter is also the image maker of the Remo Sports Development Council under the leadership of Chief Falilat Ogunkoya and David Osuolale.

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