By Milcah Tanimu

Sporting Lagos, the newly promoted team, made a memorable debut in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with a 2-0 victory over Gombe United in the final match-day one game of the 2023/24 season. The match took place on Monday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos, and left fans with unforgettable memories.

Rivio Ayemwenre and Clement Naantaum were the goal scorers for Paul Offor’s squad. Goalkeeper Christian Nwoke also made a crucial save on a penalty in the dying moments of the game to maintain Sporting Lagos’s perfect scoreline in their first-ever NPFL match.

This match marked the return of top-tier football to the heart of Lagos since the relegation of MFM FC in 2022. Despite limited attendance, a handful of fans were present to cheer for the new Lagos team as they achieved a historic victory.

Sporting Lagos began the game with an attacking mindset but struggled to break down their opponents until the 42nd minute when Ayemwenre headed home Jonathan Alukwu’s cross, securing their first-ever NPFL goal.

In the second half, Offor’s team continued to dominate the game, with Ayemwenre missing further chances to extend Sporting’s lead. Eventually, a triple substitution by the coach brought Clement Naantaum off the bench, and he scored the second goal in the 71st minute. Naantaum calmly slotted the ball home from close range after meeting Junior Lokosa’s miscued overhead kick, sending the arena into jubilation.