Yesterday, Akwa United dropped points in their loss to Stormers, meaning a win today would put us one point above them with the same number of games played. The stakes could not be higher.

MATCH DETAILS

Sporting Lagos vs Godswill Akpabio FC

Today 4:00 PM Onikan Stadium, Lagos

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THE STATE OF THE GROUP

After 11 matchdays, the promotion race remains extremely tight at the top. Yesterday's results have shifted the picture. Akwa United dropped points, and a win today puts us above them and firmly in the driving seat. With only the group winner earning automatic promotion to the NPFL this season, every match carries weight, and a home fixture like this one is an opportunity we cannot afford to waste.

OPPOSITION SPOTLIGHT

Godswill Akpabio arrive at Onikan sitting seventh in the table, five points behind us. But do not be deceived by their league position... they have scored the second highest number of goals in our group. They are an attacking, free-scoring side who come here with a point to prove, and we know they will not make this easy.

In the reverse fixture back in December, we beat them 2–0 in a controlled performance. The objective today is to complete the double over them, extend our points advantage, and keep the momentum firmly with us.

TEAM NEWS

Chidera is unfortunately out with a muscle tear picked up in a recent friendly. He will be sidelined for approximately six weeks — a painful blow. The rest of the squad is fully fit and available for selection.

COACH JEFF SPEAKS

On taking the opportunity to go top of the group, with the context that we have been in a similar position this season and dropped points:

Today, this is a different situation, and the team is in a different shape. We're in a different shape mentally, physically and technically. We've gotten much better all around, and very importantly, very comfortable and confident with the pressure that comes with what we want to achieve this season. That's the difference.

On where that growth came from:

It came from winning in difficult situations and in different places. We were two points behind coming into the second half, and we knew anything apart from a win at Solution would be very bad, and we went there and put on a show. Now we know that even in difficult situations, we have the mental strength and togetherness to know that we can do hard things.

On what will take us over the line in the second half of the season:

Mentality, technical quality, tactical superiority. It's getting better at everything we were already doing in the first half of the season. I think we will keep getting better as the season progresses, and the more we are in difficult situations, the more we will learn how to get out of them. We're taking it one game at a time, but we're very excited about the challenge.

On individual players who will play a key role in the promotion charge:

Individuals make up the team. There will always be people that play key roles in the right moments, but overall, everyone has to show up. We've currently conceded the fewest goals in the group. We will need the defensive unit to keep being strong because if we don't concede, we can't lose games. And we will need to score more goals to win. Last season, Aliyu Baba joined halfway through the season and ended as the highest scorer. He started well again last week, scoring two, so I think he and the other attackers will also be important in how we finish this season.

On not adding any players during the window:

We're happy with the squad we have. We definitely looked to strengthen the squad, but if you cannot find players that will make you better, then there is no point bringing in people for bringing sake. Our squad is strong and competitive, and we have everything we need.

On what to expect against Godswill Akpabio today:

We expect an open game and we expect them to try to play. They've scored the second-highest number of goals so far this season so we know they can score goals. We knew that when we went to their home in December and we were able to stop them from scoring. Of course, the game last time is different from this time, but we will approach the way we know is best and see as the game progresses.

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. Godswill Akpabio's attacking threat means we cannot afford to be passive.

HOW TO ATTEND

Today's fixture is a free-ticket match. Register here.

Please come and be part of a high-energy afternoon at Onikan as we push to the top of the table.