By; Ilekam Ikechukwu (Flakes)

The Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Monday played host to a rescheduled matchday one contest involving Newcomers Sporting Lagos and Visiting Gombe United Football Club. 

The excitement of top-flight Football making a return to lagos was massively felt at the arena with a deafeaning sound of the vuvuleza distinguishing the Mobolaji Johnson Arena from every other stadium across the nation. 

The visitors seemed not to be intimidated by the boisterous atmosphere immediately took the game to their hosts, as veteran Emeka Isaac with a 9th minute angled drive from the edge of the box which narrowly sailed over the bar, a reminder to the hosts that they should expect more of such from the long distant travellers. 

More barrage of attacking threats were seen off the boots of the visitors, notably the presence of striker Chijoke Alaekwe was hugely felt offensively, with goalkeeper Christian Nwoke and his defensive guards to the rescue at intervals.

Ryan impressive Rivio Ayemwenre eventually broke the deadlock having left unmarked,  the diminutive midfielder rose higg to head in a Jonathan Alukwu's brilliant delivery in the 42" min, in what was a debut NPFL goal for the lagos based outfit as they head into the break with a slim lead.

Upon resumption of the second half, Gombe United fought relentlessly seeking for a leveller, but it was the hosts that had a moment to savour with a cherry on the cake off the boots of second half entrant Clement Naatuan, he finishes coolly from close range to double their advantage, his goal really proved decisive. Sporting Lagos had more opportunities to cease the game from being a contest but the goalkeeping heroics of Itodo Akor in goal for Gombe United was the high point of the contest. The goalkeeper making himself big couple of times to deny the likes of Chisom Orji, Junior Lokosa and a host of others.

The centre referee awarded a late penalty to Gombe United, an opportunity for the visitors to reduce the deficit, but Winger Mojeeb Odufeso had a day for forget as his spot kick struck the frame of the goal for a nail biting miss. That was the last kick of the match, as the centre referee blew for full-time. 

Up next for Sporting Lagos is a journey to Uyo on match day two to be hosted by Akwa United while Gombe United will entertain the visit of defending champions Enyimba FC.