We made it two wins from two in the 2025/26 NNL season, edging past First Bank FC 0-1 in a tense Lagos derby at Onikan Stadium—our shared home ground. The game had everything: intensity, physical battles, questionable calls, and moments where we all held our breath.
TEAM NEWS & STARTING XI
Two key returns boosted the lineup: Abdulraheem Suleiman came back into the XI and captained the side, while Clinton resumed his place in goal after recovering from illness.
Starting XI
Goalkeeper: Clinton Lawani
Defense: Sodiq Yusuf, Abraham Idakwo, Hillary Zion
Midfield: Jacob Aondona, Abdulraheem Suleiman (c), Victor Samuel, Solomon Uloko
Attack: Kelvin Unenge, Lasisi Alabi, Aliyu Baba
Subs: Joseph Okonkwo (GK), Abdullahi Abdulroqeeq, Abdulrahman M, Musa Abdullahi, Joseph Nanjum, Abraham Chukwu, Seun Akanji, Linus Zika, Alex Leme
FROM 1 TO 11: A PERFECTLY NUMBERED XI
Our starting eleven was perfectly balanced, as all things should be. Thanos would be proud as we kicked off the match with players wearing jersey numbers 1 to 11, a lineup that was orderly, disciplined, and ready to tip the derby in our favour.
DERBY PLAYED ON FAMILIAR GROUND
After kicking off the season at home, we “went away” to face First Bank FC—well, technically, it was still Onikan Stadium, so we can’t complain about that. Even though we were the “away” side, the Happy Corner were louder than ever, with new chants for the new players. Our voices rose above the home supporters just like Jesus rose above death during Easter Sunday.
SLOW & STEADY
The derby began cautiously, with both sides feeling each other out. In the 19th mins Lasisi whipped in a dangerous Hail Mary cross, but nobody could connect at the end. Fan favourite Samuel Victor tested the Goal keeper with a heavy shot but it was parried away.
WATER BREAK IN THE SUN
As the intensity of the Game was building up, the same way the intensity of the sun was kicking in. Around the 30th minute, the referee called for a water break as the sun beat down on both team players at Onikan Stadium
MIDFIELD SHAKE-UP
In the 59th minute, Coach Jeff made a double change to inject fresh energy. Linus Zika came on for Solomon Uloko, while Seun Akanji replaced Lasisi. The fresh legs immediately looked to make an impact, pushing the team forward and keeping First Bank on their toes.
CHANCE GOES BEGGING
Just two minutes later, Zika had a header from a well-delivered cross but couldn’t quite connect, sending it over the bar. The attack was building, and the breakthrough was coming.
KELVIN UNENGE MAKES IT TWO FROM TWO
The breakthrough finally came in the 64th/65th minute. Aliyu, showing great vision, cut the ball back perfectly, putting it on a plate for Kelvin Unenge, who slotted home confidently to give us the lead. Sporting 1–0 First Bank.
Cut from the same cloth as Mbappé, Kelvin now has two goals and one assist in two games, slowly becoming a fan favourite. Supporters were already chanting: “All we are saying, Kevin, give us one goal!”
CLINTON AKA MR. CLEAN SHEETS
As the second half began, Clinton took command between the sticks like a rock. First Bank increased the pressure, sending in “peppery” set piece after set piece, including curved like gizzard deliveries in the 18 yard box at the 83rd, 87th, and 89th minutes but Clinton was unmoved “cause what’s a pepper Gizzard to a rock?”
Commanding his area with confidence, he grabbed every ball from the air, made crucial saves when called upon, and kept a clean sheet.
THE FINAL WHISTLE
In the end, Sporting held on for a hard-fought 1–0 win. The clean sheet, the attacking threat, and the composure in key moments gave us a deserved victory and a perfect start to the 2025/26 season: two wins from two.
THREE POINTS & A BIRTHDAY BONUS
As the final whistle blew and the three points were secured, the team gathered for one more moment of celebration — this time off the pitch. We marked the birthday of Abraham Idakwo, one of our own, with smiles all around.
Happy birthday, Abraham Idakwo 🎂 Wishing you a year filled with happiness, growth, and success. 💙
COACH JEFF COMMENTS
After the final whistle, Coach Jeff praised the team for their focus and resilience in the derby, saying:
"It was a hard-fought game, and the boys showed great character to get the win. We defended well, took our chances, and kept our composure under pressure. But this is just the start—we will keep improving, keep working hard, and continue building the kind of team our fans can be proud of."
WHAT THIS WIN MEANS
A perfect start to the 2025/26 NNL season with two wins from two, setting the tone for promotion ambitions.
Shows the squad’s resilience and character, holding on for a narrow 1–0 victory in a tense derby.
Reinforces the club’s culture of integrating academy players into key moments, with Kelvin Unenge continuing his strong form.
WHAT’S NEXT?
We remain at Onikan Stadium, our home ground, as we prepare for the next challenge.
Up next: Stormers SC of Abeokuta. The team will aim to build on this victory, maintain momentum, and continue pushing toward our goal of returning to the NPFL.
