NPFL: Bendel Insurance defeat Sporting Lagos at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium

Sporting Lagos are yet to win a game away from home this season, with their last victory coming in their home win against Katsina United back in December.

Sporting Lagos suffered another defeat on the road as they lost 3-1 to Bendel Insurance at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin-City, Edo State, Soccernet.ng reports.

The NPFL newbies were tipped as dark horses by many after they put Enyimba and Remo Stars to the side en route to winning the maiden edition of the Naija Super 8 tournament just before the start of the new league season.

Things haven’t gone to plan for Coach Paul Offor’s men, as they’re winless in seven games, losing four and drawing three, including a loss to Monday Odigie’s men today.

Christian Nwoke missed today’s game, meaning Nathaniel started in goal for the noisy Lagosians. Jonathan Alukwu started up front, with Super Eagles striker, Junior Lokosa, relegated to the bench.

An early injury forced Godwin Odibo out of the game with just fifteen minutes played, and he was replaced by Fernando Wisdom.

Sporting had most of the chances in the first few minutes of the game, and it looked like they were poised to go home with at least a point in Benin before Osaghae Junior broke the deadlock for the hosts.

With five minutes left to half-time, the hosts doubled the lead, this time, Chukwudi Meze getting onto the end of some great build-up by the Benin faithful.

The game was wrapped up on the hour mark when Divine Nwachukwu’s shot left Nathaniel no chance, as the hosts went three goals up.

In the additional minutes of the game, Henry Ndedi pulled one back for Sporting Lagos to score his first NPFL goal for the Onikan faithful, and it would be nothing more than a consolation for the Naija Super 8 winners.

Sporting Lagos are currently ranked 16th on the NPFL table, and are just two points above the bottom zone, and if the club doesn’t make a turnaround, they could find themselves in the NNL at the end of the season.