Sporting Lagos FC, the newcomers in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), stunned four-time champions Kano Pillars with a 3-0 win at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Monday. Junior Lokosa, who returned to Nigeria after playing in Tunisia and Saudi Arabia, scored two goals against his former club to help the Noisy Lagosians secure three points in an exciting NPFL matchday seven fixture. Jonathan Alukwu added the third goal in the second half to seal the victory for Paul Offor’s side.

Lokosa, the top scorer in the NPFL in 2018 with 19 goals, opened the scoring for Sporting Lagos in the 12th minute of play with a header from a corner kick. He doubled the lead in the 36th minute with a clinical finish after a swift counter-attack. The 30-year-old striker, who debuted for the Super Eagles in 2018, showed his quality and experience as he tormented the Kano Pillars defence with his pace and movement.

Kano Pillars, who had won their previous three matches, could not get back into the game as Sporting Lagos defended well and kept a clean sheet. The visitors also missed the services of their captain and top scorer, Rabiu Ali, who was suspended for the match. The home side continued to dominate the game in the second half and got their third goal in the 72nd minute when Alukwu slotted home from a cross by Wasiu Alalade.

The win moved Sporting Lagos from 11th position to 6th on the NPFL table with 11 points from seven games. Kano Pillars dropped to 9th position with 10 points from six games. Sporting Lagos coach Offor praised his players for their performance and dedication. He said: “I am very happy with the result and how we played. We have a young and talented team that can compete with any team in the league. Lokosa is a quality player, and he proved it today. He is a leader and a mentor to the other players.”

Kano Pillars coach Ibrahim Musa admitted that his team was outplayed by Sporting Lagos and blamed the defeat on fatigue and lack of concentration. He said: “We did not play well today and must accept the defeat. We travelled a long distance to Lagos, and we did not have enough time to rest and prepare for the game. We also missed our captain and some key players. But we must learn from our mistakes and bounce back in the next game.”

Sporting Lagos will face Enyimba in their next match on Sunday, while Kano Pillars will host Rivers United on the same day. Both teams hope to improve their positions on the NPFL table and challenge for the title.

Source: Business Day NG