Junior Lokosa: Sporting Lagos coach and supporters disagree on NPFL veteran striker

The manager of newly promoted Sporting Lagos, Paul Offor, is at variance with supporters of the club over veteran striker Junior Lokosa. 

This divide has emerged after another the club dropped more points against Bayelsa United in the NPFL, with Lokosa unconvincing again for the Tech Boys.

The forward is well-respected in the Nigeria Professional Football League after his successful time with former champions Kano Pillars.

He has carved a reputation for himself with his ability to score goals having emerged as the top scorer in 2018 with 19 goals to his name.

However, five years on, conflicting perspectives now cast a shadow over his position and importance at Sporting Lagos. 

Lokosa’s latest outing against Bayelsa United has sparked a dialogue between fans and the club manager.

With just three goals to his name so far this season in the NPFL, Lokosa failed to take some of the glaring chances against the Prosperity Boys at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, in Onikan.

That display which ultimately cost Sporting two points after a 1-1 draw has left coach Paul and the fans at odds regarding the impact of the 30-year-old.

After the game, the fans made their feelings known with shouts of “Stop playing Junior Lokosa, stop playing Lokosa,” from the famous Happy Corner Stand. 

This is not the first time the fans have expressed frustration over Lokosa’s performance for the team, but according to the coach of the side, Lokosa remains a respected figure that can’t be taught how to score.

“You are asking what can be done to improve a reputable striker like Junior Lokosa,” Coach Paul said during his post-match press conference. 

“He has done it over and over again, he’s a legend of the game but unfortunately he couldn’t connect,” he added. 

“But I still trust in his ability and I know what he brings into the dressing room.”

With two more points dropped against the 10-man Bayelsa United, who were inspired by NPFL top scorer, Robert Mizo, the Tech Boys failed to return to winning ways.

Sporting are winless in three matches which leaves them 14th on the table, just two points above the relegation zone.