We opened our 2024/25 NNL campaign in dominant fashion with a 4-0 victory over Solution FC. From the opening whistle, it was clear we were ready to make a statement — sharp in attack, solid at the back, and full of energy.
Team News
Goalkeeper: 30 - Ifeanyi Nchekwube
Defence: 2 - Solomon Uloko, 5 - Aliu Salawudeen (C), 20 - Femi Ladeinde, 36 - Odinaka Okoro
Midfield: 4 - Sodiq Oshidero, 8 - Abdulraheem Suleiman, 18 - Kingsley Godday
Attack: 24 - Seun Akanji, 19 - Kelvin Unenge, 11 - Abdullahi Usman
We welcomed Femi Ladeinde back into the lineup, while Academy graduates Odinaka Okoro and Seun Akanji got their first senior league starts.
A flying start
We couldn’t have asked for a better start. Just three minutes in, Kingsley Godday opened the scoring with a strike that could only be described as world-class. The pass came from Odinaka Okoro at left-back, and what a pass it was.
As the game progressed, the connection between Odinaka and Seun Akanji, a partnership in the Academy, was on full display. Their energy on the left flank kept the Solution defence on edge throughout the game.
Building the momentum
The second goal came soon after. A beautiful team move down the left ended with Abdullahi Usman slotting the ball home with a proper poacher’s finish. By now, Sporting Lagos was in full control.
We picked up where we left off after the break. Just before the hour mark, Kelvin Unenge tapped into an empty net after another smooth attacking move to make it 3-0.
A moment etched in history
The fourth goal, though, was one for the history books. Academy favourite Yusuf Abdullahi, coming off the bench, scored in the 76th minute to wrap things up. This was the first-ever goal by an Academy graduate for Sporting Lagos’ senior team in history. A proud moment for Yusuf and a milestone for the club.
Solid at the back
It wasn’t just about the goals. Ifeanyi Nchekwube stood tall in goal, pulling off a brilliant save from a well-placed Solution FC free kick to keep the clean sheet intact. The backline, led by Captain Aliu Salawudeen, was rock solid.
Afterwards, Coach Shola said:
"The result is decent and we're happy with it. We had good moments in the game. Obviously, we want to be better and we want to keep growing as a team. For the season, we want to take it one day at a time, and we're happy with this start."
Fun facts
First-time scorer: Yusuf Abdullahi became the first-ever Academy graduate to score for the Sporting Lagos senior team.
Strong start: This was Sporting Lagos’ largest-ever season-opening win. It also matched the highest number of goals we've scored in a game.
Stylish debut: This game also marked our first competitive game in the new 2024/25 home kit.
Watch the Highlights
What’s next?
We’re back at home in action on January 5th 2025 for our year's opener against Gateway United. After today’s performance, you’ll want to be there to watch the team continue this exciting journey. Ticket information soon.
