NPFL: Alukwu double seals Sporting Lagos victory in thrilling home debut for coach Biffo against Abia Warriors

Jonathan Alukwu was the hero, as Sporting Lagos defeated Abia Warriors 4-2 in a six-goal thriller in their Nigeria Premier League Football (NPFL) Matchday 32 fixture at Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Sunday.

Coming from a single win in their last five matches, the Noisy Lagosians dominated early proceedings and got the deserved lead through Paschal Durugbor in the fourth minute.

A few minutes to the end of the first half, Junior Lokosa doubled Sporting’s lead with a smart near-post finish much to the dismay of visitors.

What was expected to be a routine second half from the hosts following an impressive opening 45 minutes took a dramatic turn when Abia Warriors scored two goals within eight minutes to set the stage for a comeback win.

Sunday Megwo drew one back for the visitors in the 51st minute, before Prince Okorie scored their second eight minutes later.

Looking to secure a win in his first home game in charge, Abdullahi Biffo in a bid to change the course of the game made three substitutions that saw Tochukwu Micheal, Junior Lokosa and Godwin Odibo replaced by Rivio Ayemwenre, Jonathan Alukwu and Clement Naantuam in the 60th minute.

The changes impacted the game immediately, as Alukwu found the net with his first touch of the game to restore the host’s lead.

It appeared as though Erasmus Onu’s Warriors would get themselves back into the game after winning a penalty a few minutes later, but Christian Nwoke made a smart save to preserve the Lagosians’ lead.

Alukwu then rounded off the drama in the 70th minute, after finishing off Paschal’s run.

According to Opta Nigeria, it’ll be the second time Sporting Lagos scored 4+ goals in the NPFL this season after their 4-1 victory over Remo Stars.

The victory takes the hosts to 11 on the log with 41 points, as Abia Warriors trails with the same points and a game less.

Other results in the NPFL Matchday 32 fixtures saw Enugu Rangers defeat Plateau United 2-0, Gombe United 3-2 Lobi Stars, Akwa United 3-0 Kano Pillars, and Enyimba holding out for a 1-0 victory over Katsina United.