Sporting Lagos Edge Ranchers Bees In NNL Super 4 Opener

Sporting Lagos began their 2026 Nigeria National League Super Four campaign on a winning note, grinding out a narrow 1-0 victory over Ranchers Bees in a keenly contested opener at the Remo Stars Stadium.

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

Sporting Lagos continued to dictate possession and territory, with Aliyu Baba also posing a threat in advanced areas. However, despite their control, they initially struggled to convert their superiority into goals against a disciplined and well-organised Ranchers Bees defence.

The breakthrough eventually arrived five minutes before the interval. A slick move down the flank saw Shola Oladunjoye combine effectively with Akanji, whose precise cross into the penalty area was met by Alex Leme. The forward rose above his marker to head home emphatically in the 40th minute, sparking celebrations among the Sporting Lagos bench.

That goal ultimately proved decisive in a match characterised by tactical discipline and defensive resilience from both sides. Ranchers Bees responded after the restart with greater urgency, pushing forward in search of an equaliser, but were repeatedly frustrated by a composed Sporting Lagos backline.

Akanji, who provided the assist and remained a constant menace throughout the contest, was deservedly named Man of the Match. Reflecting on the victory, he praised the collective effort of his teammates while urging continued focus.

“This award means a lot, but it’s not just about me—it’s about the team. Everyone put in a great shift today, and that’s what got us the win. We are pleased with the start, but we know there’s still a long way to go,” he said.

The victory sees Sporting Lagos set the early pace in the Super Four, underlining their ambitions for silverware in the competition.

Several notable figures were in attendance, including Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications; NNL Chairman George Aluo; Nigeria Football Federation Executive Board Member Ganiyu Majekodunmi; and former international Felix Owolabi.

Also present were Eric Chelle, head coach of the Nigeria national football team, and his assistant, Daniel Ogunmodede.

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