NPFL: Sporting Lagos defeat Bendel Insurance to climb League table

Sporting Lagos gained promotion to the Nigerian Professional Football League just after a year after they were founded.

Sporting Lagos recorded back to back wins in the NPFL for the first time after they defeated Bendel Insurance at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Noisy Lagosians returned to winning ways last week when they defeated Rivers United at home. Prior to that game, Sporting Lagos were winless in seven.

They welcomed Bendel Insurance who are just six points off the first position. Coach Paul Offor reinstated the team’s top scorer, Jonathan Alukwu into the attack, and he was flanked by Clement Naantaum and Paschal Onyichechi.

The hosts came close to breaking the deadlock in the opening minute, with Jonathan Alukwu shooting just wide. Three minutes later, Efere came close again, only to be denied by Amas Obagie’s cross bar.

Sporting continued to press and create chances but were let down by poor finishing while Insurance’s defence could barely keep up.

A foul on Clement Naantaum in the second half on the edge of Bendel’s box, giving Tochukwu Udeh the chance to break the deadlock. The central midfielder hit the free kick into the wall and the ball deflected into the back of the net, sealing three points for the Lagosians in front of the Happy corner.

FT’| It’s all over at Onikan Stadium🏟️

Back-to-back wins ✅
Back-to-back cleansheets ✅

Sporting Lagos🔵|1-0|Bendel Insurance🟢#NPFL24 #LetsGoSporting #SundayswithSporting pic.twitter.com/nqniMgR6rq

— Sporting Lagos (@SportingLagos) February 18, 2024

Sporting Lagos are now 13th on the NPFL table after spending the last five weeks in the relegation zone.