Following the setback away to Rovers, we entered this fixture with clear intent to re-establish momentum on home ground against an Akwa United side managed by former head coach Paul Offor.

TEAM NEWS & STARTING XI

Coach Jeff opted to inject renewed energy into the squad, handing opportunities to players who did not start in the previous fixture away. Jacob Aondona and Seun Akanji all returned to the XI, Kelvin Unenge reclaimed his place in the attack, and Abdulrahman Mohammed was the latest academy graduate to make his first start.

In goal, Ebenezar Harcourt maintained his spot, with captain Abdulraheem Suleiman once again leading the team from midfield. Clinton made the squad for the first time since he had to go off due to an injury against Stormers.

STARTING XI vs Akwa

Goalkeeper: Ebenezar Harcourt

Defence: Solomon Uloko, Sodiq Yusuf, Hillary Zion, Abdulrahman Mohammed

Midfield: Jacob Aondona, Victor Samuel, Abdulraheem Suleiman ©

Attack: Seun Akanji, Aliyu Baba, Kelvin Unenge

SUBSTITUTES: Clinton, Abraham, Musa, Joseph, Abraham, Linus, Ibrahim, Yusuf

RETURN OF FAMILIAR FACES

The atmosphere before kickoff was lifted by the presence of Sporting Lagos former player and fan favourite, Jonathan Alukwu, who was warmly received by fans eager for photos and singing his songs in nostalgia.

There was also a warm reception for former head coach Paul Offor, who returned to the ground he once called home. Now on the opposite bench, he was still met with respect and appreciation from the Sporting faithful.

HARCOURT FLIES EARLY

Sporting Lagos started the game strongly. In the 6th minute, Ebenezar Harcourt made a good save to deny Akwa United, keeping the scoreline at 0–0 and showing everyone why he’s on the 54-man provisional list for the Super Eagles at the age of 16.

COACHING CHESS

As the game progressed, we saw a fascinating tactical battle as both coaches sought to outmanoeuvre each other. Every advance and every positional shift was met with a strategic response, with each side trying to anticipate and counter the other’s moves. The chess-like duel between Coach Jeff and Coach Paul added a layer of intrigue to the game. Tales of two Sporting Lagos coaches. For some time, Akwa looked to have the upper hand.

BREAKTHROUGH AT ONIKAN 

We took the lead against the run of play in the 35th minute, and it was the in-form Samuel Victor who provided the spark.

A sharp steal from the centre ended with Kelvin Unenge supplying yet another assist as Victor put the ball in the "last angle" to put Sporting 1–0 ahead.

Numerical Advantage: Sporting

The first caution came in the 20th minute after a reckless challenge. Then, in the 44th minute, the same player received a second yellow for a foul on Aliyu Baba. Now, we were up one goal and one man.

IBRAHIM SEALS THE WIN

With Akwa pushing forward desperately, we struck again in added time. Yusuf Abdullahi chest-controlled the ball and beat a defender for pace as he calmly found a composed Ibrahim Mohammed, who scored our second in the 92nd minute, securing all three points, and sending Onikan into frenzy.

A PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE

We controlled both phases of the game, managed key moments, and showed the resilience needed after last week’s setback. A confident home win, a clean sheet, and a strong squad contribution. Exactly the response the team needed.

COACH JEFF SPEAKS

Coach Jeff has been clear on getting back momentum. After the game, he said: "We want to compete in every game, and we have to play like this to win. Our focus is on the next game in Abakaliki." 

On fans' reactions to our recent results:

"The fans have every right to express their complaints, as they want the best for the team. We want to assure them that we will compete in every game and make them proud as the season progresses."