Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), debutants Sporting FC Lagos were in imperious form as they trounced regional rivals, Remo Stars 4-1 in the NPFL week 24 clash played yesterday at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena in Lagos.
The highly anticipated derby became a one-way traffic situation as early as the 4th minute when Remo Stars’ former player, Junior Lokosa put Sporting in front from the penalty spot.
Pascal Durugbor then doubled Sporting’s lead in the 27th minute but Remo Stars’ defender, Isamila Sodiq reduced the deficit in the 39th minute for the half to end 2-1.
On resumption, the hosts applied more pressure and were rewarded with the third goal in the 48th minute through Philiph Kehinde before Isaac Annor sealed the big win with the fourth goal in the 60th minute.
The victory has increased Sporting’s chances of finishing well above the relegation zone as they are now 12th on the table with 31 points.
In Umuahia, Lobi Stars fought back to draw 1-1 with Abia Warriors to maintain the top spot with 43 points one more than second placed Enyimba who left it late to beat Doma United 1-0 in Aba.
After a barren first half at the Umuahia Township Stadium, Fabian Omaka gave Abia Warriors the lead from the spot in the 70th minute. But there was a late drama as Lobi Stars new signing John Victor Ekioko equalised for his side in the fifth minute of second half added time to take home the cash prize of N500,000 from the Deputy Governor of Benue State and Chairman of Lobi Stars, Barrister Sam Ode.
A few minutes before the match, Ode had transferred N1m to the club captain and instructed that the player who would score for Lobi Stars should get N500,000 while the players should share the remaining N500,000.
It will be recalled that EKioko had also won Lobi Stars’ Man of the Match Award against visiting Katsina United when his opening goal contributed to the 2-0 victory at the Lafia City Stadium.
In other week 24 matches decided yesterday, 3SC overpowered Akwa United 3-0 in Ibadan while struggling Kwara United forced Rangers to a barren draw in Enugu.
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