Bendel Insurance forward Kayode Oke struck only 18 seconds into Sunday’s game against Sporting Lagos, but the home side fought back to claim a 2-1 Nigeria Premier Football League victory at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan.
Key takeaways
- Oke’s goal is the quickest scored in the NPFL this season.
- Victor Samuel brought Sporting Lagos back level after the early setback.
- Gafar Olaniyan scored the decisive goal to complete the hosts’ turnaround.
- Sporting Lagos had entered the match following a 2-0 defeat to Rivers United.
- Coach Jeffrey Buter will next lead his side away to Plateau United on Matchday 9.
Sporting Lagos recover from rapid opener
The Nigeria Premier Football League confirmed that Oke’s 18-second finish stands as the fastest goal recorded in the campaign to date. However, Sporting Lagos did not allow Bendel Insurance’s lightning start to dictate the result.
Samuel equalised for the Lagos club before Olaniyan found the winner, sealing a comeback success for the hosts.
Buter praised his team’s response, particularly their display after half-time, following the shock of conceding so early.
“I am very pleased with the win and with what the players produced, particularly during the second half,” Buter said after the match. “I’m happy that we secured the victory.”
Focus shifts to Plateau United trip
The Sporting Lagos coach believes the result can rebuild belief among the club’s supporters after the side’s 2-0 loss to Rivers United in the preceding round.
Buter has already turned his focus towards Sporting Lagos’ Matchday 9 away fixture against Plateau United. The game could bring a reunion with Shola Adegun, a former member of his coaching staff who is now working with Plateau United.
“We were together on the bench, and he is now at Plateau United,” Buter said.
