In a thrilling Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) encounter between Kwara United and Sporting Lagos, an early strike from Jonathan Alukwu put the home team on the back foot.
The match took place on Wednesday, November 1st, at the Main-Bowl of the Kwara State Stadium Complex, and it certainly lived up to the fans’ expectations.
It was Jonathan Alukwu’s mobility and ambition that unsettled the Kwara United Football Club right from the first minute.
Benefiting from a penetrating pass from the left, Alukwu found the perfect opening and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka, sending the home fans into an unexpected silence.
Despite the early setback, Kwara United found it challenging to break through the Sporting Lagos defense.
However, their determination paid off when they earned a crucial 45+ minute penalty, which was confidently converted by defender Ejeh Isaiah, who would later be named the Man of the Match.
With the desire to turn the tide in their favor, Coach Kabir Sulaiman Dogo made early changes in the second half, bringing in Issa Gata for Paul Samson.
The visitors, Sporting Lagos, were growing in confidence as the minutes passed, prompting the coach to make further substitutions. Sadeeq Yusuf replaced Samuel Ayanrinde, and Ifeanyi Odinnega and Godwin Oshagbemi came on for Emmanuel Ogbole and Ikenna Offor, respectively. Bernard Ovoke also entered the game, replacing Alao Mohammed.
The relentless pressure Kwara United exerted on Sporting Lagos finally paid off in the 86th minute. Ifeanyi Odiannega capitalized on a quick exchange of passes to slot the ball home at close range, marking a comeback victory for Kwara United.
Coach Dogo commended his players for their resilience and the late rally, emphasizing that his team is among the best in the league and will continue to improve with every match.
On the other side, Sporting Lagos’ coach, Paul Offor, acknowledged the effort his team put into the match, particularly with the belief in their goal-scoring abilities in away matches. He credited the fans as a significant motivating factor for the NPFL newcomers.
Ejeh Isaih, who scored his second goal of the season in the match and earned the Man of the Match award, expressed the team’s motivation to secure a win after garnering only a single point from two consecutive matches.
Kwara United will face Enyimba International in their next match, a Matchday Seven encounter to be held in Aba. Football enthusiasts eagerly await another thrilling clash in the NPFL.