Newly-promoted Sporting Lagos face Remo Stars in final

Sporting Lagos bounced back from a goal deficit to deliver a surprise win Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) defeated Akwa United 2-1 in a thrilling duel to reach the final of the first Naija Super 8 tournament on Friday.

The wildcard battle was arguably the finale before the finale as both teams bet on the jugular, but it was the newly promoted NPFL side that claimed the win.

Promise keepers dominate the first half

The first 20 minutes saw an even game, with Uchenna Collins’ criminal miss from a ball whipped by Said Mubarak being the biggest highlight. He should have done better.

That trend continued in the ensuing 20 minutes as Mubarak and Sadeeq Rilwan were particularly wasteful for the rising Promise Keepers.

Nenrot Silas was the main culprit for the Lagos side, despite creating few scoring chances.

Perseverance finally paid off for coach Osho-led Akwa United as the Sporting Lagos defense finally caved under the pressure, giving away a penalty. Cyril Olisema scored a penalty in the 42nd minute after the referee ruled that the Sporting Lagos goalkeeper had fouled a dangerous Rilwan.

That was the only goal of the half and the difference between the two teams at the break.

Sport Lagos got stronger in the second half

Sporting Lagos made a change early in the second half with Chisom Ngomere replacing Rivio Ayemwenre.

Less than 10 minutes later, Okon equalized with a fantastic finish for Sporting Lagos on Saturday.

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The game took on another dimension, fueled by the goal, and fifteen minutes later, in the 70th minute, Sporting Lagos took the lead thanks to a Jonathan Alukwu header from a Chisom Ngomere cross.

This goal caused wild cheers from the team and their boisterous fans. Junior Lokosa, a Super Eagles forward with one cap, made his debut for the Lagos side but failed to make the scorer’s list.

The Promise Keepers did their best to keep their promise to their teeming fans as they left the house by leveling, but that was never to be the case as the NPFL rookies picked up a famous win.

Sporting Lagos advanced to the finals with a stunning 2-1 comeback win and faced Remo Stars in the finals of the inaugural Naija Super 8 tournament at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos on Sunday