Sporting Lagos and Bayelsa United shared the spoils in an NPFL matchday where both teams needed the points.
Newly promoted Sporting Lagos suffered another frustrating outing in the NPFL after sharing the spoils against Bayelsa United.
The Prosperity Boys held their hosts to a hard-fought 1-1 draw despite playing most of the second half with ten men at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Thursday.
23:56 - 20.12.2023
AFCON 2023: Ex-Man Utd star Odion Ighalo reveals why Peseiro should have invited NPFL players to Nigeria squad
2019 AFCON Golden Boot winner Odion Ighalo believes NPFL outfield players should have made the 55-man provisional list made by Jose Peseiro for the 2024 tournament.
22:57 - 20.12.2023
If being useless was a club - Enyimba face fans' blacklash after late heartbreak against Rangers
Enugu Rangers held NPFL champions Enyimba to a share of the spoils in the Oriental derby.
Mizo led Bayelsa shine
The keenly anticipated clash, which unfolded in a festive atmosphere, saw the home side welcome Afrobeat sensational Pheelz to entertain the fans.
However, Sporting Lagos were ultimately denied the Christmas Pheelz following a fierce battle for supremacy.
Bayelsa United looked comfortable early on and deservedly took the lead when star man, Robert Mizo, showed why he is the top scorer in the NPFL.
Creating the time and space to elude the Lagos defenders, Mizo found himself at the right place to take advantage of Christian Nwoke’s poor clearance to expertly net the game’s opener for his 10th of the season.
With that goal, the talented forward became the first player to hit double figures in the Nigerian Football League this season, and he achieved the feat in just nine matches.
Sporting fight back
With Bayelsa United heading into the break with a slim advantage, Sporting returned for the second energised and rejuvenated as they looked for the elusive equaliser.
The dynamics of the game shifted when the Prosperity Boys were reduced to 10 men following a crucial decision just after the hour mark.
But it was Bayelsa who almost doubled their lead when Mizo again beat the Sporting defence but failed to get his shot off as Nwoke timed his move to perfection to deny him from point blank.
Bayelsa continued to give their hosts problems until Mizo was forced off with an injury to bring his day to an end.
And just when Bayelsa thought they had done enough to take all three points, Sporting found an equaliser through an excellent screamer from Aliu to ensure both sides shared the spoils.
With the result, Sporting Lagos and Bayelsa United have now gone three matches without a win in the NPFL. Tech Boys sit 14th on the table while Bayelsa remain in the danger zone.
Related content
12:10 - 17.12.2023
Enugu Rangers vs Sporting Lagos: Expert betting tips, predictions and preview
All the betting details you must know as Enugu Rangers welcome newly promoted Sporting Lagos in the first clash between them in the NPFL.
23:01 - 03.12.2023
Sporting Lagos return to winning ways with hard-fought Katsina United victory
Sporting Lagos battled till the end to overcome Katsina United in a heated clash in the NPFL.
20:46 - 19.11.2023
NPFL: Sporting Lagos mirror wingless Super Eagles in lacklustre display with dull draw
This is not the best of times for supporters of Sporting Lagos and Nigeria Super Eagles after valuable points were dropped at home.
22:23 - 06.11.2023
Gingered Lokosa destroys former club Kano Pillars as brace fires Sporting Lagos back to winning ways
Junior Lokosa came back to haunt his former club Kano Pillars in a thrilling clash against Sporting Lagos.
10:43 - 06.11.2023
Lokosa: Sporting Lagos striker expresses gratitude to NPFL expert for highlighting his poor stat
Junior Lokosa has just one goal this season for Sporting Lagos in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.
23:03 - 29.10.2023
NPFL: Sporting Lagos secure home win against Niger Tornadoes thanks to controversial offside call
The game between Sporting Lagos and Niger Tornadoes ended in controversy as the away side put up a fight in Lagos.
11:54 - 29.10.2023
NPFL Preview: Sporting Lagos, 3SC to win, United and Bayelsa brace for slippery fights
All you need to know about the action-packed matchday in the NPFL featuring Sporting Lagos, Shooting Stars, Rivers United and Bayelsa United.
09:41 - 23.10.2023
Watch the Barbie Boy goal that has got Nigerians talking
It was the Southwest Derby in the NPFL as Remo Stars hosted Sporting Lagos and their Barbie Boy in Ikenne.
22:11 - 22.10.2023
Stir Fry fc — Remo Stars serve Sporting Lagos a dash of banter after derby win
Rem Stars have stirred the pot after taking all bragging rights in the Southwest Derby against Sporting Lagos in the NPFL.