Visiting Sporting Lagos pipped hosts Smart City 2-1 in their opening game of the 2022/23 Nigeria National League campaign in an all Lagos affair on Wednesday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

Early pressure from the visitors forced a defensive error from the hosts, with Taro Godswill picking up a lose ball in the Smart City box and powering home a left footed drive for the games first goal.

The hosts will respond, coming to life with chances of their own but Sporting held on to lead at the break.

The second period saw sporting withstand initial pressure from the hosts before grabbing a second to take charge of the match. Another defensive error allowed sporting a counter attack which culminated in Saturday Okon slotting past the on rushing Oremade Olawale in the Smart City goal.

A resurgence from Smart City late in the game saw Savio Idezi power through the Sporting defense to score and place the game on a knife’s edge. Sporting will however hold on for a 1-2 victory and all three points in their first game.