Top seed Swiatek stunned by 19-year-old Noskova Sporting Lagos’ NPFL struggles continue as Doma Utd hold Rivers Utd
Sporting Lagos have found life difficult in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after losing 3-1 to Bendel Insurance in the match day 19 fixtures yesterday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.
The Lagos based club who are participating in the league for the first time had started the season on a bright note with impressive results but began to feel the heat as the season progressed. They have now lost their eighth game as they trailed by 3 goals in the NPFL for the first time ever. It is the first time they have conceded 3+ goals in the NPFL.
Sporting had started the game brightly but their efforts were quickly nipped in the bud when Junior Osaghae opened the scoring in the 32nd minute. Six minutes later, Chukwudi Meze made it 2-0 going into half time.
At the restart of the second half, the ‘Benin Arsenal’ took full control of the game and made it 3-0 through Divine Nwachukwu in the 60th minute to kill any hopes of the visitors making a comeback.
However, Henry Ndedi scored a consolation goal in the 92nd minute as they drop closer to the relegation zone.
In Gombe, Doma United escaped losing at home as they held former champions, Rivers United to a 1-1 draw.
The visitors had taken the lead just before half time through Ivorian forward, Bernard Yao Kouassi.
At the restart of the second half, the hosts who are placed third on the table pushed forward to get a goal and their efforts paid off in the 94th minute through Nelson Abiam.
Similarly, Kwara United defeated visiting Sunshine Stars 1-0. Emmanuel Ogbole scored the only goal of the game in the 15th minute.
Meanwhile, later today,
Gombe United will host Bayelsa United while Enugu Rangers will visit Akwa United. Kano Pillars will play hosts to Heartland FC while Lobi Stars and Plateau United will trade tackles. Niger Tornadoes take a trip to Katsina United as Remo Stars welcome Abia Warriors just as Enyimba tackle Shooting Stars.
Higher jumper, Temitope Adeshina, who made her second appearance in competitive meets in the USA, has shattered the national high jump record held by Doreen Amata since 2016.
Adeshina who joined the Texas Tech School athletics team in 2023, cleared the height of 1.96m to erase Amata’s 1.93m indoor and 1.95 outdoor records on Friday at the Corky Classic in Texas.
Reacting to the development Athletics Federation of Nigeria president, Chief Tonobok Okowa noted that it was thrilling to know that Adeshina is fast becoming a world class athlete.
“It’s a heart warming performance by Adeshina, it’s a world leading performance and I am banking on her to improve on that record.
“It’s a sign of good things to come as we prepare for the African Games and the Olympics this year,” said Okowa.
Adeshina who narrowly missed the World Championships last year in Budapest with her previous personal best of 1.83m had always looked forward to competing at the World level and with her consistent performances it wouldn’t be out of place for her to dream of a podium finish at the Olympics. The 1.96m is just a fraction below the Olympics qualification standard.
At the Corky Classic she opened her day with 1.85m, she followed up with 1.88 and 1.96, before landing the big jump.