Sporting Lagos continued their strong form on the road in this season’s EUROMATCHNPFL by edging past Plateau United 3-2 in one of Sunday’s games.
The Tech Boys started strongly and deservedly got in front when Aliyu Baba chased down Solomon Uloko’s pass before rounding off Plateau United goalkeeper Okiemute Odah to open scoring on 10 minutes.
Plateau United poured men forward and got the equalizer 10 minutes before the break when Victor Dawa fired in from outside the box.
Dawa’s goal was followed by a string of saves by Sporting Lagos goalkeeper Clinton Lawani but in stoppage time before the break, Dawa turned in the ball from close range as Plateau United took the lead into the locker room.
Eight minutes into the second half, Sporting Lagos fought their way back into the contest as Victor Samuel made no mistake from the near post after Baba slipped the ball into his path to leave score at 2-2.
Ten minutes to the end, Alex Aghahowa was sent off for a second booking after a foul on Sporting Lagos midfielder Hadi Haruna.
The Lagos club made the advantage count as Jacob Aondona fired in the winner in the 83rd minute to seal a third win in five away matches for Sporting Lagos (W3 D1 L1), making them the first side to reach double figures in points amassed on the road this season.
The win took them within two points of the frontrunners, Rivers United and titleholders Rangers International.
While Rangers were busy with continental football, Rivers United played out a 0-0 draw with Barau FC at their Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium home ground.
The match was called off at 0-0 after 75 minutes due to heavy rain and a waterlogged pitch and was completed on Monday.
Rivers United now top the standings on 17 points, same as Rangers but have a better goals difference.
Inter Lagos continued their poor run of form as they lost 0-2 at home to Nasarawa United with first half goals from Kelechi Ogbodo and Ugochukwu Leonard securing the points for the Solid Miners.
Yahaya Ibrahim’s early goal was enough for Kano Pillars to claim the bragging rights over rivals Katsina United while former champions Enyimba shared points in a goalless draw with Warri Wolves at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba.
Nafiu Obalowu and Bashir Musa scored for Niger Tornadoes in their 2-1 win over Ikorodu City. City graduate Basit Ayinde who only made his league debut last matchday came off the bench to score for his club.
The two games on Saturday ended with an identical scoreline of 1-1. Doma United played a draw with Kun Khalifat after Tijani Azeez cancelled out Benjamin Onyedikachi’s goal for Kun Khalifat.
Ali Ferinyaro put Kwara United ahead on 34 minutes before Emmanuel Nnaji equalized for Abia Warriors.
Kwara United missed the chance to win the game on 64 minutes when Muhammed Alao crashed his spot kick onto the post.
The Friday night game in Ibadan saw Shooting Stars comfortably win 3-1 over Ranchers Bees.
Desmond Ojietefian (14′), Damilola Akinola (45+3′) and Qamar Adegoke (71′) scored for Shooting Stars while Isah Ndala Aliyu netted from a free kick for the Bees.
In between the goalscoring, Shooting Stars striker Sodiq Ibrahim missed the chance to get among the goals as his spot kick was saved by Ranchers Bees goalkeeper Alhassan Tofa in the 52nd minute.
The EUROMATCHNPFL season continues with Matchday 10 next weekend.