By Chigozie Chukwuleta
Despite Aliu Baba’s hat trick in Awka, Sporting Lagos could not secure their dream away victory to seal the season and hope for a place in the NNL Super Eight.
In a tension-packed, emotion-laden encounter against Solution FC, the Lagos boys played out their hearts but could only go home with a draw.
The match saw Baba score three goals, including one in the 29th minute that gave Sporting Lagos an early lead. However, Solution FC fought back in the second half, with Chukwuemeka Oyieke scoring a stunning goal and Valentine Ugwu converting a penalty. Despite Baba’s efforts, Solution FC managed to equalize in the dying minutes of the game courtesy of Divine Victor.
Speaking after the match, Sporting Lagos coach Shola Adegun expressed his disappointment, describing the draw as “painful.”
“It is a painful one. We were really close, for us to lose it right at the end. It’s difficult to wrap your brain around it honestly when you score a vital goal in the injury time.”
