Sporting Lagos edge Ranchers Bees to seal a winning start in NNL Super Four

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye 

 

 

Sporting Lagos made a strong opening statement in the 2026 Nigeria National League Super Four, grinding out a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ranchers Bees in a tense curtain-raiser at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

From the opening whistle, the Lagos-based side imposed themselves with purpose, pushing forward with intent and controlling early proceedings.

Their attacking momentum almost yielded results in the 17th minute when Seun Akanji engineered the first clear chance, only to be denied by a sharp save from the Ranchers Bees goalkeeper.

Sporting Lagos maintained their grip on the contest, with Aliyu Baba adding spark in the final third. 

However, for all their dominance in possession and territory, they found it difficult to break through a disciplined Ranchers Bees defence that stood firm under sustained pressure.

The breakthrough finally came five minutes before halftime. A slick move down the flank saw Shola Oladunjoye link up effectively with Akanji, whose precise cross into the box was met by Alex Leme. 

The forward rose above his markers to head home decisively in the 40th minute, sparking celebrations on the Sporting Lagos bench.

That solitary goal ultimately proved decisive in a match defined by tactical discipline and defensive resilience.

Ranchers Bees emerged with renewed urgency after the break, pressing for an equaliser, but Sporting Lagos remained compact at the back, repelling every attempt to preserve their slender lead.

Akanji’s lively display, capped by his match-winning assist, earned him the Man of the Match accolade. 

Reflecting on the victory, he emphasized collective effort over individual recognition.

“This award means a lot, but it’s about the team. Everyone gave their all today, and that’s what secured the win. It’s a good start, but we stay focused because there’s more work ahead,” he said.

The win sends Sporting Lagos to the top of the early standings, underlining their ambition as they continue their push for silverware in the competition.

The encounter attracted notable figures from across Nigerian football and governance, including:

• Sunday Dare

• George Aluo

• Ganiyu Majekodunmi

• Former international Felix Owolabi 

Also present were;

• Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle 

• Super Eagles Assistant coach Daniel Ogunmodede

Attention now shifts to the second fixture of the day, where Doma United will face Inter Lagos under the floodlights at the same venue, as the Super Four action continues.