SPORTING LAGOS BEAT REMO STARS TO WIN INAUGURAL NAIJA SUPER 8 TOURNAMENT

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By F.A. Oduola

Sporting Lagos defeated Remo Stars 4-2 on penalties to secure the Naija Super 8 tournament trophy.

The nation witnessed a thrilling top-notch final performance of the inaugural competition between the Lagos-based squad and Remo Stars on Sunday evening at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium in Onikan Lagos in a magnificent atmosphere created by football fans.

Before the penalty shootout, the two teams played to a 1-1 draw at full time in a gripping battle of guts and physicality.

Aliu Salawudeen did well to head in a beautifully-delivered free kick from a teammate eight minutes into the second half to give the newly-promoted NPFL team the lead.

Sporting Lagos were unable to extend their lead due to a few missed opportunities and some outstanding saves from Remo Stars’ goalkeeper.

Sporting Lagos discovered themselves reverting to defence in the face of the Ikenne-based squad, who brought on some fresh legs from the bench to apply pressure and seek a way back into the game.

Remo Stars kept up the tempo until they were rewarded with a goal from substitute Adams Olamilekan in added time after having a goal controversially disallowed for offside.

It has been a remarkable run for a squad that is only a year old, first upsetting Remo Stars, the second-best NPFL team from last season, and drawing Enyimba, the NPFL champions, in their group round matches.

After beating Katsina United to take the top spot in the group with seven points, they proceeded to defeat Akwa United in the semifinals with a 2-1 comeback victory.

Sporting Lagos will focus on the upcoming NPFL season in an effort to build on their success after earning the 25 million naira prize money.