After last week’s disappointment in Ekiti, there’s no better way to bounce back than in an Onikan packed and bubbling with our fans.

MATCH DETAILS

Sporting Lagos vs Abakaliki FC

Sunday, March 8 4:00 pm Onikan Stadium, Lagos

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THE STATE OF THE GROUP

After we dropped points vs Ekiti United, the gap at the top increased to 4 points. We are now 4 points behind Akwa United, who remain in the sole promotion spot. A win against Abakaliki FC will be very important in helping us achieve our goal of securing the sole promotion spot.

OPPOSITION SPOTLIGHT

Abakaliki FC comes into this game sitting 4th on the log, 2 points behind us with 19 points and 5 wins. They are also the team with the second-lowest goals conceded in the group, with 10 goals conceded in 12 matches. 

In the reverse fixture in December, they won the game by a single goal in Abakaliki. We will be looking to return the favour in our home ground.

TEAM NEWS

Chidera is unfortunately still out with a muscle tear. The rest of the squad is fully fit and available for selection.

COACH JEFF SPEAKS

With the table so tight and results able to change things quickly, how do you assess Sporting Lagos’ position in the race at this stage of the season?

“We're still very much in contention, regardless of how tight the schedule is. We are four points behind first place in six games to play, so it's still something that is very much doable. And I think we're in a good place, even though we could be in a better place. Or we could have been in a better place. We are not far away from our objective, so we are still very well where we want to be at this time.  And then we are working even harder to be at the desired place. So, yeah, a lot of things can change over the weekend. We can go one point closer to first place if results go our way. And then that gives everything a new dynamic, given that we play them next week. We're optimistic.”

How do you balance the pressure of chasing the top spot with staying focused on the process week to week?

“It's to see the bigger picture. We stand to lose more if we don't gain promotion. So that in itself is enough motivation not to want to miss out on it. The pressure is one that has been there from the very beginning. We knew that this season was all about promotion, so that pressure has been there. It's just a bit more, given how many games are left, given how many points we are behind. But we have to still handle it regardless. We knew that we were coming into this season with the aim of promotion. We have to still chase it and feel that pressure.”

Our goal difference took a bit of a hit last week. Will you be looking for a more aggressive, attacking performance to restore that dominance we saw against Solution FC?

“What we're looking for is three points for now. We can think about the goal difference much later. You have to worry about reducing the point deficit.  Even when we had a better goal difference, we always wanted to start aggressively and dominate. We've seen that in games where we score in the first half, we tend to win. So we want to get goals as quickly as possible. Not just because we want to overturn the goal deficit, but because we want to be in a comfortable place towards the end of the game, and not have to chase the game. We are not looking at that. We are looking at getting maximum points.”

With no new signings in the window, how confident are you that this current squad has what it takes to deliver the goals needed in games like this and bounce back immediately from a loss?

“Without signings, the same team delivered a good performance at Solution FC. Without any new signings, the same team delivered good performances from the first round of the preseason. We are confident in them. They just have to be at their best. That is what we are looking at improving day by day, game by game, week by week.  We are confident in the players. They have to just be at their best. They can always give anything and everything. It's not too early for us.”

This game brings the team back home in front of the Sporting Lagos fans. Considering the reaction after the last home draw and the loss in Ekiti, how important will the supporters’ energy be for the players in this match?

“Very important. It's a home game. They love the club. They love the team. They believe in what we are doing. Their reaction after wins, draws, or losses is how they feel. Their support is going to be as vital as it's always been. They have to push us. They have to help us get through the line. We are also banking on them because they really do support and help us win games. They are there till the games end. It's going to be just as important as when we are winning games. Now we need every motivation and support we can get because we are coming towards the end of the season. The goal looks difficult but not impossible. We need them.”

When fans watch Sporting Lagos on Sunday, what kind of performance do you want them to see from this team in terms of mentality, intensity, and style of play?

“In terms of mentality, the mentality of a team that wants to gain promotion, that wants to be champions. That is what we have always tried to instill in the players. They are going to see a side that is ready to dominate, play good football like always. Of course, a team that is hungry to win and get back to where they are supposed to be. Everything good is what we should expect on Sunday.”

WHAT TO EXPECT?

We will look to assert ourselves from the first whistle, control the tempo, and play with the proactive, front-foot style we have committed to this season. Abakaliki FC are defensively solid and will pose a big test for us. We will need to be clinical in front of the goal and be wary of counterattacks.

HOW TO ATTEND

Join us for a high-energy afternoon as we push for the top of the table! This Sunday, we’re hosting a dedicated matchday celebrating women who make our community vibrant and unique.

Experience the atmosphere at Onikan and be part of the roar.