Sporting Lagos Begin Super Four Campaign with Narrow Win Over Ranchers Bees

Sporting Lagos Begin Super Four Campaign with Narrow Win Over Ranchers Bees

By Admin 

Sporting Lagos opened their 2026 Nigeria National League Super Four campaign with a hard-fought 1–0 victory against Ranchers Bees at the Remo Stars Stadium.

The Lagos-based side started brightly, asserting attacking dominance from the outset. Their early intent nearly yielded results in the 17th minute when Seun Akanji fashioned the game’s first clear opportunity, only to be denied by an alert Ranchers Bees goalkeeper.

Sustained pressure from Sporting Lagos saw further attacking contributions from Aliyu Baba, but despite controlling possession and territory, the breakthrough remained elusive against a well-organised defensive setup.

The decisive moment arrived five minutes before halftime. A fluid move down the flank involving Shola Oladunjoye and Akanji culminated in a precise cross into the penalty area, where Alex Leme rose above his marker to head home the winning goal in the 40th minute.

Ranchers Bees responded with renewed urgency after the interval, but Sporting Lagos maintained defensive discipline to preserve their slender advantage and secure maximum points in the opening fixture.

Akanji, instrumental throughout the contest and provider of the match-winning assist, was named Man of the Match. Reflecting on the performance, he emphasised collective effort and the need for continued focus. “This award means a lot, but it reflects the team’s work. We started well, but we remain focused on what lies ahead,” he said.

The victory positions Sporting Lagos as early frontrunners in the Super Four tournament as they pursue promotion and silverware.

The encounter attracted several high-profile attendees, including Sunday Dare, George Aluo, Ganiyu Majekodunmi, and former international Felix Owolabi. Also present were Eric Chelle and his assistant Daniel Ogunmodede.

Attention now turns to the second fixture of the day, where Doma United will face Inter Lagos under floodlights at the same venue.