NPFL: Lagos derby ends in tears for Inter as Ikorodu maintain record in Abia

The first Lagos derby in years ended in tears for newly- promoted Inter Lagos, who suffered their third consecutive defeat to neighbours Sporting Lagos in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, on Sunday evening.
Both sides went into the encounter hoping to claim bragging rights and maximum points, but it was Sporting Lagos who drew first blood in the eighth minute through Sodiq Ayoade.
Sporting continued to dominate proceedings, putting Inter under sustained pressure and making the home side look like the visitors despite being listed as the home team for the fixture.
Inter were presented with a golden opportunity to draw level in the 21st minute after they were awarded a penalty.
However, they failed to convert the spot kick, allowing Sporting to take a 1-0 lead into the break.
After the restart, Sporting continued where they left off, maintaining their dominance and eventually doubling their advantage in the 60th minute through Aliyu Baba.
Inter struggled to find a way back into the contest, and Sporting put the result beyond doubt when Valentine Ugwu scored the third goal in added time.
The defeat leaves Inter Lagos at the bottom of the table after losing all three of their matches so far in the new season.
In Aba, Ikorodu City maintained their unbeaten record against Abia Warriors after escaping with a point in a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Emeka Obinna put the home side ahead in the 14th minute, but Ikorodu City responded eight minutes later through Junior Ilechukwu.
The visitors then completed the turnaround in the 31st minute when Adeoye Akorede scored to give Ikorodu City a 2-1 lead at half-time.
With time running out, Obinna struck again to score his second goal of the game and restore parity for Abia Warriors.
The game ended 2-2, with Ikorodu City maintaining their unbeaten start to the season and their impressive record against the Aba-based side.
In other matches played, Barau FC defeated Ranchers Bees 3-1, while Bendel Insurance handed Kun Khalifat their first defeat of the season with a 4-2 victory.
Kwara United also recorded a convincing 3-0 win over Katsina United.