Clement Naantaum’s only goal sent the Tech Boys and their faithful fans into a super exciting mood at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Wednesday evening, propelling Sporting Lagos out of the relegation zone in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
The win snapped a seven-game winless streak for the Lagosians, a run that had seen them plummet into the danger zone, Footballrover reports.
But Naantaum’s 52nd-minute strike proved to be the difference, guiding Sporting Lagos to a crucial victory against Rivers United.
Prior to the encounter, the mood around the Noisy Lagosians was understandably downbeat.
Their last win came in early December against Katsina United, and recent results had painted a bleak picture for their survival hopes.
However, team manager Paul Offor shuffled his pack, handing debuts to David Adeleke and Jamil while welcoming back Christian Nwoke between the sticks.
The changes seemed to have sparked renewed energy in the Sporting Lagos team, and they started brightly.
In the 23rd minute, a delightful backheel from Jonathan Alukwu sent Paschal clear on goal, but the striker was cynically brought down before he could unleash his shot.
Clement Naantaum then almost broke the deadlock just before halftime, but his effort was well saved by the Rivers United goalkeeper.
52’|GOOAAALLL ⚽️????????????
Clement steals the ball from a Rivers United player, drives towards the byline and finds the perfect finish.
Sporting Lagos????|1-0|Rivers United????#NPFL24 #LetsGoSporting pic.twitter.com/wWVH7jmtMZ
— Sporting Lagos (@SportingLagos) February 14, 2024
Undeterred, Naantaum continued to be a thorn in the visitors’ side, and his persistence paid off seven minutes into the second half.
Winning the ball deep in Rivers United territory, he embarked on a mazy run before slotting the ball home to erupt the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in a frenzy.
With nine minutes remaining, Junior Lokosa was thrown into the fray, nearly adding a second after a pinpoint cross from Emeka found him unmarked.
However, his header sailed just wide.
The win proved to be a crucial one for Sporting Lagos, lifting them out of the relegation zone on goal difference.
They now sit level on points with Akwa United and the Niger Tornadoes, who occupy 16th and 17th positions, respectively.
This victory will undoubtedly serve as a major boost for Sporting Lagos’ survival hopes.
With renewed confidence and a crucial three points secured, they will be aiming to build on this momentum and steer clear of the relegation zone in the remaining matches of the season.
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