In a thrilling display of football at the Onikan Stadium, Sporting Lagos decisively defeated Remo Stars with a score of 4-1 in a highly anticipated Southwest Nigeria Premier Football League derby. Among the crowd was Austrian born Nigerian singer Rose May Alaba, who is better known as the sister of the celebrated Real Madrid defender, David Alaba. Rose, who has music deeply embedded in her roots thanks to her father, George Alaba, a former rapper and one half of the late 90s pop dance duo Two in One, shared her excitement over the match on social media.
The game kicked off with an early lead for Sporting Lagos as Junior Lokosa, a striker once named in Nigeria’s 30 man provisional 2018 World Cup squad, converted a penalty in the fourth minute following a foul on Odibo by a Remo Stars defender. The lead was doubled by Paschal in the 27th minute, though Remo Stars managed to reduce the deficit ten minutes later with an own goal. The second half saw Sporting Lagos regain their two-goal advantage through Phillip Kehinde’s acrobatic effort against his former team, and the victory was sealed with a goal resulting from a scramble in the 60th minute.
Editorial
In the realm of Nigerian football, the recent derby between Sporting Lagos and Remo Stars transcends a mere game it symbolizes the vibrant spirit and the undying passion that fuels the sport in this part of the world. Witnessing the sister of a global football icon like David Alaba among the spectators not only highlights the unity and familial bonds that football fosters but also showcases the league’s growing appeal beyond our borders.
The presence of Rose May Alaba at the Onikan Stadium serves as a testament to the league’s magnetic allure and its potential to captivate audiences far and wide. It’s a reminder that football, at its core, is about community, about shared moments of joy, despair, and triumph. This match, with its dramatic turns and showcase of raw talent, underscores the essence of Nigerian football a blend of grit, talent, and the sheer will to excel against all odds.
As we reflect on this derby, it’s crucial to recognize the role such matches play in elevating the profile of Nigerian football. They are not just games they are narratives woven into the fabric of our national identity, showcasing the potential lurking within our local leagues. Let’s embrace these moments, support our local talents, and continue to build a football culture that can rival any across the globe. The story of Sporting Lagos and Remo Stars is far from over; it’s just another chapter in the rich tapestry of Nigerian football.
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Did You Know?
- Nigeria’s Premier Football League was officially founded in 1972, evolving over the decades into a competitive fixture in African football.
- David Alaba, whose sister was spotted at the derby, is the first Nigerian heritage player to represent Austria in international football and to play for Real Madrid.
- The Onikan Stadium, one of the oldest football stadiums in Nigeria, has been a historic venue for numerous memorable matches since its inception.
- Nigerian footballers have made significant impacts in various international leagues, with over 20 players currently playing in the English Premier League.
- The Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, has won the Africa Cup of Nations three times in 1980, 1994, and 2013, showcasing the country’s football prowess on the continental stage.