Ekiti United FC returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion, defeating Sporting Lagos FC 3–0 in their Nigeria National League (NNL) Matchday 12 encounter at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium.
The match kicked off amid great excitement, with spectators and supporters of both teams eagerly anticipating an entertaining display of football, particularly from the home side.
Ekiti United started brightly, immediately asserting control and dictating the tempo with confident ball possession and impressive passing exchanges that drew applause from the home crowd,determined to respond to last week’s setback against Osun United FC, the hosts showed clear intent from the onset.
The first real opportunity fell to Damilola Adeyeye, but the Sporting Lagos goalkeeper, Clinton, produced a fine save to deny Ekiti United an early breakthrough.
Sporting Lagos also looked to make an impact, but the home side remained well organized. Assistant captain Quadri Raheem, who captained the team on the day, controlled proceedings in midfield, while Ajibola Usman marshalled the defence effectively, making it difficult for the visitors to penetrate.
Ekiti United continued to press and created several goal scoring chances, but were repeatedly denied by the impressive visiting goalkeeper,the breakthrough eventually came in the 43rd minute when a defensive error by Sporting Lagos led to Damilola Adeyeye being fouled inside the penalty area.
The referee promptly pointed to the spot, and Ayodeji Lawal stepped up confidently to convert the penalty, giving the hosts a deserved 1–0 lead at halftime.
The second half began with tactical adjustments from Head Coach Bolarinwa Idris, and the changes paid off shortly after the restart. Ayodeji Lawal doubled the advantage, completing his brace of the afternoon with a composed finish.
Despite launching a series of attacking moves in search of a comeback, Sporting Lagos were unable to find a response, as Ekiti United goalkeeper Ikenna Kelvin stood firm between the posts,
with a two-goal cushion, Ekiti United maintained control and continued to threaten, midway through the second half, Damilola Adeyeye sealed the victory with a stunning strike that sent the stadium into jubilation,his outstanding performance earned him the Man of the Match award.
The victory lifts Ekiti United to third position on the league table with 21 points, level on points with Sporting Lagos, who sit second due to a superior goal difference.
Ekiti United will travel next weekend to face God’swill Akpabio FC in their Matchday 13 fixture as they continue their push for promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
In his post match interview, Coach Bolarinwa Idris praised his players for executing the game plan effectively and commended the entire technical crew for their collective effort, he also expressed deep appreciation to the Supporters’ Club and fans whose presence and encouragement inspired the team to victory.
The coach shifted focus to the upcoming away fixture, expressing confidence that the time has come to secure the club’s first away points of the season,he further highlighted his pride in maintaining a perfect home record, having won all seven matches played at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium this season.
