)
The game between Sporting Lagos and Niger Tornadoes ended in controversy as the away side put up a fight in Lagos.
Newly promoted Sporting Lagos managed to secure a hard-fought victory over Niger Tornadoes at their home ground on Sunday in the NPFL.
Sporting defeated Tornadoes 2-1 thanks to a controversial offside decision that turned the tide of the match late on at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
)
11:54 - 29.10.2023
NPFL Preview: Sporting Lagos, 3SC to win, United and Bayelsa brace for slippery fights
All you need to know about the action-packed matchday in the NPFL featuring Sporting Lagos, Shooting Stars, Rivers United and Bayelsa United.
)
10:44 - 29.10.2023
NPFL: Rangers dismantle Pillars in statement win as Benin Arsenal suffer bad market
Enugu Rangers have laid down the marker for the season after a dominant outing against Kano Pillars, with Benin Arsenal losing ground in the title race.
Sporting Lagos survive Tornadoes
The week five encounter was a highly anticipated showdown, especially for the home team that was looking to quickly return to winning ways after two poor results.
It turned out to be a game of two halves as Sporting dominated the first half while the visitors gave the Noisy Lagosians a scare in the second half.
Sporting started the strongest and quickly took the lead when fan favourite, Jonathan Alukwu, reacted quickest to tuck home from close range to give the host the lead in the 30th minute.
Veteran striker, Junior Lokosa, doubled their advantage just before the break to give Sporting what looked a comfortable 2-0 lead at half time.
Tornadoes fight back
After the break, however, the match took a dramatic turn as the Ikom Allah came out blazing hot in search of an elusive goal.
The goal finally came through super-sub Yahuza Bala, who evaded a parked defense to half the deficit in the 67th minute.
Re-energised by that goal, the visitors pushed for an equaliser which finally came or so they thought, in the 80th minute through that man again, Bala.
A brilliant play from Tornadoes set the forward free on goal and with just Christian Nwoke at his mercy, Bala kept his calm to loop the goalkeeper to send the away bench into a frenzy.
However, their joy was short-lived when the assistant referee raised his flag for an offside and the goal was chalked off.
Sporting Lagos held on and when the final blew, it was a relief for coach Paul, his players and fans while Niger Tornadoes were in despair.
The controversial offside decision became the key talking point from the game for fans and pundits alike, who are debating the fairness and impact on the final result.
What the result means
Sporting Lagos return to winning ways after two winless matches, with the Noisy Lagosians now seventh on the log while Niger are five spots behind in 12th.
Related content
11:54 - 29.10.2023
NPFL Preview: Sporting Lagos, 3SC to win, United and Bayelsa brace for slippery fights
All you need to know about the action-packed matchday in the NPFL featuring Sporting Lagos, Shooting Stars, Rivers United and Bayelsa United.
)
09:41 - 23.10.2023
Watch the Barbie Boy goal that has got Nigerians talking
It was the Southwest Derby in the NPFL as Remo Stars hosted Sporting Lagos and their Barbie Boy in Ikenne.
)
22:11 - 22.10.2023
Stir Fry fc — Remo Stars serve Sporting Lagos a dash of banter after derby win
Rem Stars have stirred the pot after taking all bragging rights in the Southwest Derby against Sporting Lagos in the NPFL.
)
11:55 - 21.10.2023
Remo Stars vs Sporting Lagos: 5 players to watch out for in the explosive Derby
A look at the players set to light up Ikenne as Sporting Lagos and Remo Stars face off in the first Southwest Derby this season in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.
)
17:10 - 19.10.2023
Sporting Lagos: Reactions as Noisy Lagosians secure bus for fans ahead Southwest Derby vs Remo Stars
Sporting Lagos are winning the hearts of their fans and Nigerians after the latest move ahead of the Southwest derby against Remo Stars.
)
20:43 - 15.10.2023
Sporting Lagos vs Doma United: Noisy Lagosians slip-up after wasteful display against spirited Scorpions
Sporting Lagos have slipped down the table after a day to forget at the office against Doma United in the NPFL.
)
08:02 - 15.10.2023
Super Sunday Showdown: NPFL Preview starring Enyimba and Remo Stars' fight to ease relegation fears
Get all the exciting insights for the upcoming actions in the NPFL featuring some of Nigeria's best clubs on Super Sunday.
)
14:26 - 09.09.2023
From Football Manager to Sporting Lagos, ex -Barcelona & Roma coach joins NPFL side as Academy coach
It's a new era at Sporting Lagos as they prepare for their first-ever elite season with a new manager for their under-19s.
)
15:41 - 30.08.2023
No more favoritism & 2 other key things to lookout for in the NPFL next season
These key points were taken from the speech by the chairman of the NPFL board at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) to herald the 2023/2024 season.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)