Aliyu Baba’s Hat‑Trick Not Enough as Sporting Lagos Miss Super 8 Spot

The match, held recently at Onikan Stadium, showcased Baba’s electric pace and clinical finishing. Introduced from the bench, he immediately influenced proceedings, tormenting the opposition defence. One of his strikes, described by pundits as a “striker’s instinct” finish, threatened to turn the tie in Sporting’s favour.

Yet, individual brilliance proved insufficient. Despite Baba’s heroics, Sporting Lagos were unable to match the consistency of Kun Khalifat and Osun United in Group B. A draw in their final fixture and favourable outcomes elsewhere meant the dream of Super 8 football slipped through their fingers.

Coach Shola Adegun praised Baba’s display but noted that match fitness and collective cohesion remain areas for improvement. “Aliyu gave us a lift, but football is a team sport we’ll work on our shape and stamina,” he said in the post‑match interview.

Sporting Lagos will now recalibrate ahead of the final NNL matches, with eyes set on securing a playoff berth next season. Baba has emerged as a pivotal figure a reminder that potential abounds, even when results disappoint.

Editorial

We find ourselves reflecting on Sporting Lagos’ season and the bitter taste of missed opportunity. Here is a club with ambition, a gifted forward in Aliyu Baba and a growing fan base but ambition without structure can crumble when most needed.

When Baba entered the field, we witnessed what football at its finest can be pace, precision and absolute belief. His hat‑trick will be replayed in highlight reels, but goals alone do not win tournaments. From the first whistle, deficiencies in shape and stamina held Sporting back. One player cannot carry a squad especially in tight competitions.

We must press hard for systemic change. A robust physical‑conditioning programme is essential, complemented by tactical discipline across the ninety minutes. Perhaps Sporting Lagos should also consider extending Baba’s impact with creative midfield support or a strike partner to ease pressure on him.

The club’s season underscores the wider need for consistent youth development in Nigeria’s NNL structure. This is where Sporting Lagos can lead—by combining its fintech-driven backing with investment in infrastructure, sports science and coaching.

Baba’s performance reminds us: talent exists here and now. But raw ability requires the discipline of collective strategy. If Sporting Lagos build from this moment embedding fitness regimes and tactical clarity—they can transform brilliance into breakthroughs.

We share the hope that next season, Baba’s goals won’t just thrill, but seal victory. Until then, the challenge remains turn flashes of inspiration into a season-long pursuit of excellence.

Did You Know?

1. Sporting Lagos was founded in February 2022 by fintech entrepreneur Shola Akinlade and swiftly earned promotion to the NPFL after just one season.
2. The club plays home matches at Onikan’s Mobolaji Johnson Arena, affectionately known as ‘The Noisy Lagosians’ ground.
3. Sporting Lagos finished 17th in the NPFL 2023–24 season, which resulted in their relegation back to the NNL.
4. In April 2025, the club bolstered their squad with eight new signings, including Aliyu Baba and Akinola Damilola, ahead of the season’s crucial second half.
5. Sporting Lagos has previously won the Naija Super 8 pre‑season tournament, including a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Remo Stars in 2023.