Defending champions Lagos Knights continued their Showtime Bowl Series XV Flag Football campaign with a hard-fought 28-20 victory over Lagos Greenbacks at Showtime Arena on Sunday, surviving a spirited comeback in one of Week 2’s most competitive encounters.
The Knights entered Season XV carrying the crown after crushing Abia Warriors 47-7 in the Showtime Bowl XIV final, a victory that ended two seasons of championship heartbreak against the Warriors.
They quickly showed their championship quality against Greenbacks, with reigning Season XIV MVP Kayode Mafe finding Fatai Praise for the opening touchdown before connecting with Anyaorah Lotanna as the Knights raced into a 15-0 advantage.
Greenbacks refused to collapse.
Quarterback Oluremi Jedidiah repeatedly connected with Divine Chidera as Greenbacks fought back to 15-14, turning what appeared to be a comfortable afternoon for the champions into a genuine battle.
Mafe responded by finding Lotanna for another touchdown, but Chidera struck again to drag Greenbacks within a single point at 21-20.
With the champions under pressure, the decisive moment arrived through a familiar combination. Mafe connected with Praise for another touchdown to establish the final 28-20 margin and preserve the Knights’ victory.
Praise was named Match MVP with a perfect 10.0 rating after scoring two receiving touchdowns, while Mafe recorded 8.6 fantasy points. Chidera produced a huge performance in defeat, scoring three touchdowns and leading all fantasy scorers with 10.0 points.
Greenbacks actually outgained the champions 169-147, but Lagos Knights won where it mattered most, scoring four touchdowns to three.
For the defending champions, it was not a dominant victory — but championship seasons also require winning difficult games, and the Knights found a way when Greenbacks threatened to take it away.
