NNL Matchday 7: Sporting Lagos go top of Conference A with late win over Ekiti United
Sporting Lagos climbed to the top of Conference A after securing a dramatic 2–1 victory over Ekiti United in their Nigeria National League (NNL) Matchday 7 encounter at the Onikan Stadium, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Sporting Lagos started the match on the front foot and created the first opportunity inside three minutes when Yusuf connected with an Alex Leme cross, but his effort went wide. Yusuf went close again moments later, only to be denied by the Ekiti United goalkeeper.
The hosts continued to apply pressure, with Abdullahi and Victor combining well in the 20th minute, though Victor’s shot failed to trouble the keeper. Further chances fell to Uloko and others, but poor finishing kept the scores level.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 42nd minute, when Alex Leme* scored his first goal of the season to give Sporting Lagos a deserved lead going into the break.
Ekiti United responded strongly after the restart and equalised in the 49th minute through Olaide James, who capitalised on a rebound after goalkeeper Clinton spilled a shot.
Sporting Lagos pushed hard for a winner. Ibrahim’s effort was blocked on the hour mark, while Aliyu and Seun Akanji both struck the woodwork in the closing stages as the pressure mounted.
With eight minutes of added time, the decisive moment came in the 95th minute, when Seun Akanji finished from close range to spark celebrations among the home fans.
The victory sends Sporting Lagos top of Conference A with 13 points, while Ekiti United remain fourth on 12 points, behind Akwa United (13 points) and Abakaliki FC (12 points, superior goal difference).
Uche Dozie
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