Sporting Lagos Thrash Inter Lagos 3-0 as Derby Returns After 10 Years

The Nigeria Premier Football League witnessed the revival of a long-dormant rivalry as Sporting Lagos delivered a commanding 3-0 win over Inter Lagos in the first Lagos derby the competition has seen since 2016, with the clash played out at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

Goals from Sodiq Ayoade, Aliyu Baba, and Valentine Ogwu ensured Sporting walked away with their opening win of the campaign in what was only their second outing this season.

Ayoade got things moving early, rising to head in a free-kick just seven minutes into the contest. The gap widened just after the hour mark when Aliyu capped off a slick passing sequence with a composed finish.

Ogwu then put the finishing touch on the scoreline deep into stoppage time, netting a well-taken goal in the 92nd minute to cap a dominant derby display.

Elsewhere in the division, Barau FC climbed to second place on the table after edging past Ranchers Bees 3-1, stretching their unbeaten run.

Ahmadu Liman put them ahead before Ranchers levelled late on, only for Kennedy Otunuya and Sugau Aliyu to strike in stoppage time and settle the contest.

Bendel Insurance also produced fireworks, overcoming Kun Khalifat 4-2 in a six-goal spectacle, while Abia Warriors fought back twice to hold Ikorodu City to a 2-2 stalemate thanks to a late Emeka Obioma brace.

At the summit, newly promoted Doma United continued their impressive start, making it three wins from as many matches after seeing off former champions Enyimba 2-0.