Sporting Lagos closed out their year in the Nigeria National League in dramatic fashion, securing a vital 2–1 victory over Ekiti United thanks to a last-gasp winner that sent the home crowd into raptures.
Substitute Akanji Seun emerged as the hero, scoring in the 94th minute to hand Sporting Lagos all three points and keep their promotion ambitions firmly alive.
Speaking after the match, head coach Jeffrey Buter could barely hide his delight, describing the win as a deserved reward for the hard work his team has put in, especially as they head into the new year.
“I am very happy, very ecstatic. We deserved it. We worked very hard going into the new year,” Buter said.
Tactical Adjustments Pay Off
The encounter was a tightly contested affair, with both sides showing intent and resilience. Ekiti United proved stubborn opposition, forcing Sporting Lagos to dig deep and search for solutions as the game wore on. According to Buter, the decisive moment came from tactical flexibility and timely changes from the bench.
“We are finding solutions needed to score goals, need to find the winner. We needed fresh legs, we changed the formation, and thankfully it paid off,” he explained.
That decision proved inspired, as Akanji Seun’s introduction injected fresh energy into the attack. His late goal not only sealed the win but underlined the importance of squad depth and belief in crucial moments.
Electric Atmosphere Fuels the Team
The goal sparked wild celebrations inside the stadium, with the Sporting Lagos supporters playing their part in driving the team forward. Buter admitted the atmosphere got the better of him as emotions overflowed on the touchline.
“Hearing the crowd roars, I had to stop to celebrate those much-needed goals. I can’t explain how excited I am, but I’m very happy,” he said.
The connection between the team and the fans has been a defining feature of Sporting Lagos’ campaign, particularly in high-pressure moments such as this.
Eyes Firmly on Promotion
With the victory, Sporting Lagos end the year on a positive note, remaining firmly in the hunt near the promotion places. For Buter, the objective is clear and non-negotiable.
“We keep pushing to stay close to the promotion places. That’s the objective for us,” he concluded.
As the Nigeria National League takes a brief pause, Sporting Lagos can reflect on a year-ending win that showcased resilience, tactical maturity, and belief. If this dramatic finale is anything to go by, the new year promises more intensity, ambition, and a determined push towards promotion.
