A dominant performance was produced by Sporting Lagos on Wednesday night, as a commanding 4-0 victory was recorded against Doma United in Match Day 2 of the NNL Super 4 tournament in Ikenne.
After both teams had opened their campaigns with narrow 1-0 victories over Ranchers Bees and Inter Lagos respectively, maximum points were heavily targeted in a contest expected to shape the title race.
A bright start was made by Doma United, with several attacking moves created in the opening stages. Pressure was applied through the efforts of Gideon Chukwu, Ogonyi Matthew and Yusuf Fantami, but their chances were either dragged wide or wasted from promising positions.
However, against the run of play, the breakthrough was secured in the 28th minute. Following a quick passing move, the ball fell kindly to Seun Akanji, who surged toward the penalty area with pace and confidence. His marker was beaten with sharp footwork before the finish was calmly slotted past goalkeeper Oche Emmanuel to hand Sporting Lagos the lead.
Confidence was gradually gained by Sporting Lagos after the opener, while Doma United struggled to recover before the break.
Shortly after the restart, the advantage was doubled through a well executed set piece. A corner kick was worked cleverly to Victor Sunday on the edge of the box, and although his effort was only partially saved by Emmanuel Oche, Shola Oladunjoye reacted quickest to force the rebound into the net in the 48th minute.
From that moment, complete control of the game was taken by Sporting Lagos, while Doma United appeared deflated by the second goal. Fresh energy was later introduced by coach Jeff Butler through a triple substitution, and the pressure quickly paid off again.
A third goal arrived from another corner situation after Adoona delivered a dangerous cross that was met by Aliyu Baba. Although the initial effort was saved, captain Solomon Uloko was perfectly positioned to convert the rebound in the 81st minute.
The final goal of the evening arrived in spectacular fashion in the 87th minute. A swift counter attack was launched by Sporting Lagos, and as Uloko drove forward with purpose, a powerful right footed strike was unleashed instead of a pass to a teammate. The effort crashed off the underside of the crossbar and into the net, leaving Emmanuel Oche with no chance and sealing an emphatic 4-0 triumph.
The convincing result has now placed Sporting Lagos firmly in control of the race for the 2025/2026 NNL Super 4 title. Only a point will now be needed in their final fixture against rivals Inter Lagos on May 8 to secure the championship. Meanwhile, Doma United will face Ranchers Bees in their final game knowing a big victory may still be required, alongside favourable results elsewhere, to keep their hopes alive.
