NPFL: Naantaum scores to seal Sporting Lagos’ first win of the year against Rivers United

Sporting Lagos gained promotion to the Nigerian Professional Football League last year after a stellar season in the NNL.

Clement Naantaum scored the only goal of the game at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos to help Sporting Lagos defeat Rivers United, Soccernet.ng reports.

The noisy Lagosians were winless in their last seven games, drawing three and losing four, with their last win coming in the first week of December at home against Katsina United.

Christian Nwoke was back in goal after missing the last two games. David Adeleke made his debut in defence, and Jamil made his debut in the middle of the park.

The first chance for the noisy Lagosians came in the twenty-third minute after a cheeky backheel from Jonathan Alukwu set Paschal through on goal, but the striker was charged down before he could place his shot.

Clement Naantaum came close to breaking the deadlock before half-time but his shot was parried by the opposition goalkeeper for a corner kick.

The persistence of Clement made all the difference seven minutes after the restart. The striker won the ball in Rivers’ half and drove to the byline before sending the ball into the back of the net.

Super Eagles striker, Junior Lokosa came on with nine minutes to spare and nearly got in on the act after a cross from Emeka found him in space, but his header went just wide.

The win takes Sporting Lagos out of the relegation spots on goal difference, as they’re currently level on points with Akwa United and Niger Tornadoes, who are 16th and 17th on the NPFL table respectively.