Winger Gafar Olaniyan scored a stunning goal to steer Sporting Lagos to a 2-1 win over Bendel Insurance for their first home win of the 2026/27 NPFL season.
It’s been a difficult start for the Tech Boys at home with draws to Barau and Ikorodu City and a defeat to Abia Warriors.
Having taken a point at Kano Pillars last weekend, they came into this game needing a home win and they eventually got it done courtesy of an inspired performance from Gafar Olaniyan.
Just 18 seconds in, Kayode Oke headed home his initial effort that was parried away by goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt to hand the visitors the lead.
However, Sporting Lagos responded in quick fashion. Gafar found Samuel Victor in the box before the latter placed the ball beyond goalkeeper Amas Obasogie for the leveller. Moments later, Gafar unleashed an unstoppable effort to put his side in front for the first time in the game.
Sporting Lagos continued to dominate but they missed a big chance through Jacob Aondona as they went into the break in front.
After the break, it was more of Insurance searching for an equalizer but they could not find a way past the Sporting defence again. Insurance defender Lekan Gabriel cleared a ball off the line in stoppage time, as Sporting Lagos went ahead to see out a precious home win.
In Jos, Kano Pillars’ unbeaten run was put to an end by a rampant Plateau United. Paul Samson, Dayo Ojo, Samuel Ayanrinde and Nenrot Silas all scored in the dominant win.
It finished 2-2 between Barau FC and Rangers in Kano. Joseph Atule and Aliyu Sugau scored from the spot for the home side, while Ifeanyi Okechukwu got the game’s opening goal before a stoppage time equalizer from Chidiebere Nwobodo earned the champions a point on the road.
It was comfortable 2-0 home wins to Kun Khalifat and Nasarawa United against struggling Shooting Stars and Doma United respectively. Meanwhile, it finished goalless between Abia Warriors and Rivers United in Aba.
Katsina United and Ikorodu City also claimed home wins against their opponents on match day eight of the 2026/27 NPFL season.
