Sporting Lagos FC emerged winners of this year’s Super-4 in the second-tier Nigerian National League (NNL) on Friday, despite losing 1-0 to local rivals, Inter Lagos, Sports247 reports.
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A seventh minute goal by Bashir Hassan, off Kafaru Olaniyan’s perfect pass, gave Inter Lagos victory against Sporting Lagos in the Super-4 ‘final’ at Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, but it was not enough to upstage the leaders on goals difference.
In spite of the very early goal, Inter needed four more to upstage their physically stronger side, who appeared to struggle for form after redting some key players for the game.
While employing their physicality to the optimum, the boys of Coach Buter Jeffrey turned on the heat with their artistry on the ball, and skilful runs at goal, which brought about a 23rd minute direct free kick that was tipped over the bar by Inter’s agile goalkeeper.
It soon became a tight affair, as Inter Lagos fought back gamely, giving as much pressure as they absorbed, but soon lost two scoring chances in the 36th and 39th minutes, following which their keeper pulled off another stunning save in the 40th.
It remained that way after 45 minutes and an additional two brought the first half to a close, with spectators at the packed arena relishing a live raffle draw plus ball games during half time, as both teams went in for the break.
The second half began in much the same way the first 45 went, with Inter Lagos continuing to hold their own in defence and midfield, while employing fast bursts to keep their opponents on their feet, with high pressing to sneak in a likely second goal of the turbo-charged game.
Although Coach Shakiru Giwa’s side held on to win the encounter 1-0, it was not enough to topple Sporting Lagos, who finished top of the table on the same number of points with their opponents but a superior goal advantage of +4, compared to +2 for Inter Lagos.
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