Wednesday’s Lagos derby match between Sporting Lagos and Ikorodu City is set to light up the NPFL
It is undoubtedly the city’s biggest derby, and there are many reasons to back that up. Interestingly, it will be the first time the two sides meet in the top flight.
The fixture was originally expected to be the first Lagos derby of the season before its postponement, but the wait is finally over as both sides prepare to battle for local supremacy at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan.
Here are three things worthy of note ahead of the derby clash.
1. The stakes are high
The encounter promises to be one of the most anticipated fixtures of the week, with both clubs looking to claim bragging rights in what will be their first-ever meeting in Nigeria’s top flight.
For Sporting Lagos, the stakes are particularly high. The hosts are still searching for their first maximum points at home in their second season in the NPFL and will see Wednesday’s encounter as an opportunity to change that record.
Ikorodu City have already enjoyed multiple victories at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena and will head into the derby with the confidence that comes from having produced positive results at the venue. Their familiarity with the stadium could prove important in a game where fine margins are likely to decide the outcome.
Beyond the points at stake, however, the derby offers both clubs an opportunity to assert themselves as the leading force in Lagos football. Sporting Lagos will be keen to make home advantage count, while Ikorodu City will be looking to extend their impressive record at the venue and claim bragging rights over their city rivals.
Wednesday’s encounter might be coming early in the season, but it is a battle for local pride, points and momentum in what is going to be a long season.
2. Will the fans show up?
There was plenty of discussion when the Lagos derby between Sporting Lagos and Ikorodu City was postponed, with many arguing that the fixture would have attracted a significantly larger crowd had it been played at the weekend. The growing rivalry between the two clubs, coupled with the growing interest in the Lagos football scene, was expected to make the encounter one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season.
However, with the rescheduled meeting now set for today – a Wednesday- concerns remain over the level of attendance. Despite the efforts of both clubs to build anticipation and generate massive publicity around the fixture, getting a large turnout on a midweek afternoon or evening could prove difficult, particularly for supporters who have work and other commitments.
The derby still has all the ingredients for an exciting occasion, but the question, though, is whether the excitement surrounding the game will translate into a sizeable crowd at the stadium.
3. It can come down to Ebenezer Harcourt and Michael Atata
The stock of Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos) and Michael Atata (Ikorodu City) has continued to rise every passing match day. The two young goalkeepers have been good between the sticks for their respective clubs this season, and they will be under the spotlight when their sides meet in the much-anticipated Lagos derby today.
Harcourt, who also played at the U20 World Cup for the Flying Eagles, featured at the CHAN tournament in East Africa, while Atata was also called up to the Unity Cup squad last May, as well as the recently released list for the international friendly against Russia later in October.
With the Lagos derby now here, the battle between the two goalkeepers adds another intriguing subplot to an already highly anticipated encounter. Both Sporting Lagos and Ikorodu City will be counting on their goalkeepers to provide the security needed at the back in a fixture where the margin for error could be slim.
Beyond the rivalry between the two clubs, the derby also provides another opportunity for Harcourt and Atata to showcase their qualities in front of a wider audience.
