Six goals, a penalty save and plenty of action was present at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena as Sporting Lagos won their first game under new coach, Abdullaji Biffo. The Lagos based team squared up against Abia Warriors in a match day 32 fixture, a 4-2 win following a 2-0 loss to Katsina United.
The game had an early start as Pascal Durugbor continued his fine scoring form in the fourth minute to give Sporting the lead. Junior Lokosa was on hand in the second minute of stoppages to hand the home side a 2-0 lead at the break.
Abia Warriors came out guns blazing in the second half, and their early pressure instantly yielded fruit. Jamil Muhammad unfortunately turned the ball into his own net in the 50th to give the away side a lifeline. In the 59th minute, Prince Okorie was squared up proceedings as Abia Warriors scored once again to level the tie.
In an attempt to switch things up, Junior Lokosa was pulled out and replaced by Jonathan Alukwu in the 62nd minute, and the 21 year old did the trick. Alukwu gave Sporting Lagos the lead again in the 65th minute, as the home side threatened their opposition.
Drama ensued in the 72nd minute as Abia Warriors were awarded a penalty. Christian Nwoke was up to the task as he saved Ijoma Antoine’s effort to keep Sporting Lagos in the lead.
Jonathan Alukwu then scored a second in the 74th minute to seal all three points for Sporting Lagos.
Sporting Lagos are 11th on the log with 41 points from 32 games played, while Abia Warriors are 12th with 41 points from 31 games played.