Sporting Lagos Open NNL Campaign with Win as Inter Lagos Stun Gateway Away

Sporting Lagos made a confident start to their 2025/26 Nigeria National League (NNL) season, defeating Osun United 3–1 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.

The Tech Boys wasted no time, as Aondona Adeede opened the scoring just four minutes in.  Kelvin Unenge doubled their lead in the 21st minute, but Osun United responded through Tomiwa Awojobi only four minutes later.

Sporting maintained their momentum after half-time and sealed the victory when Samuel Victor — a key presence in attack — scored in the 65th minute to make it 3–1.

This win is a major morale booster for Sporting Lagos, who are eyeing a swift return to the Nigeria Premier Football League. Their next assignment is a Lagos derby against First Bank FC, who were beaten heavily by Godswill Akpabio FC in their opening match.

Meanwhile, Inter Lagos secured the only away win of the weekend, edging Gateway FC 1–0 at MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.  The decisive goal came from Saturday Okon in the 67th minute, a strike that silenced the home crowd and gave Inter Lagos an early boost.

Inter Lagos now turn their attention to another local derby as they prepare to host Smart City in their second match of the campaign.

Editorial

There is something quietly reassuring about a season opener that goes according to plan not wildly, but with purpose, with composure, and with the steady certainty of ambition. Sporting Lagos’ 3–1 win over Osun United is exactly that kind of beginning. It was not a performance built on fireworks; it was grounded, pragmatic, and full of intention.

Aondona Adeede’s early goal set the tone: a team determined to impose its identity from the first whistle. Kelvin Unenge’s follow-up showed that Sporting can build on that early promise, while Samuel Victor’s second-half strike sealed a victory earned, not gifted. This is a side that clearly believes in itself and wants to climb, not just climb, but soar.

On the other side of the city, Inter Lagos’ win at Gateway is equally telling. To go away from home and grind out a 1–0 win is not always glamorous, but it is the stuff of building blocks. Saturday Okon’s decisive strike will linger in the memory of their fans as a sign that this team is ready to fight and win in the moments that matter.

In the NNL, where dreams of promotion fuel every pass, every tackle, and every set piece, consistency is more valuable than flair. Sporting Lagos and Inter Lagos have both demonstrated that in this opening weekend. They have not just started  they have made a statement.

If they can maintain this blend of resolve and clarity, they’ll not only compete; they’ll be favorites to raise eyebrows, raise hopes and, possibly, raise the trophy.

Did You Know?

1. Sporting Lagos’ Relegation History: Sporting Lagos were relegated from the NPFL at the end of the 2023/24 season, and this season marks their attempt to return.
2. Rapid First Goal Aondona Adeede’s goal came just four minutes into the match — an early spark that set Sporting Lagos on course.
3. Inter Lagos’ Origin: Inter Lagos FC was founded in 2023 and is co-owned by local Lagos entrepreneurs, emphasizing community football in Nigeria’s biggest city.
4. Away Win Rarity The 1–0 win by Inter Lagos over Gateway marked the only away victory on Matchday One of the NNL.
5. Scoring Debut for Victor: Samuel Victor, who sealed Sporting Lagos’ win, is regarded as one of the brighter attacking prospects in their squad — a player they are hoping will write their promotion story.