Coach Offor commends Junior Lokosa's contributions to team

Posted : 07 November 2023

The Technical Adviser of Sporting Lagos FC praised the contributions of the veteran Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) striker, Junior Lokosa, for his immense contributions to the team.

Recall that the two-goal hero, Lokosa, was instrumental in the Tech Boys' comfortable win over visiting Kano Pillars FC, which incidentally was his former club.

A first-half Lokosa brace and a goal from Jonathan capped off a brilliant team performance and helped the Lagos Boys defeat the former NPFL champions, Kano Pillars.

Coach Paul made four changes to the side that started the midweek fixture against Kwara United. Emeka returned to the starting lineup after recovering from an ankle injury, while Odibo replaced an injured Clement. Rivio and Okon also returned to the starting eleven. Lokosa, however, wore the captain's armband for the first time.

The Monday afternoon match in Lagos at Onikan Stadium was lively as fans found time in their busy schedules to support their team. Truly, Sporting Lagos has the best fans.

In the buildup to the game, Lokosa had been in the spotlight as he was coming up against his former side. In fact, it was at Kano Pillars where he won the NPFL highest goalscorer award for the 2018 season.

During the match, Lokosa made it clear he was wearing different colors as he put his team in the lead 12 minutes into the game, after a period of sustained pressure led to an Odibo cross which he finished with a first-time shot. Out of respect, he decided not to celebrate.

Sixteen minutes later, Jonathan Alukwu was in the perfect place to pounce on a loose ball in the box after an Okon cross and fired the Tech Boys to a two-goal lead.

Just before half-time, an incisive pass from Emeka at left-back found Lokosa on the edge of the box, and the striker made no mistake in firing Sporting Lagos FC to a three-goal lead as the team headed into the tunnel for the first-half break.

With a three-goal lead, Sporting Lagos FC had to withstand some pressure in the second half and maintain a solid defense.

The Tech Boys, however, came close to increasing their lead in the second half, but Jonathan's shot missed the goal by inches, and Odibo's energy and Osan's cameo saw some nervy moments as their shots went on target, but the Pillars keeper was well-positioned to save them.

The match came to a close just as the rains were about to start, which signifies a good ending for the Lagos Boys who won with a clean sheet.

The two goals by Junior Lokosa mean he has scored three goals in three games, while his compatriot, Jonathan Alukwu, has four goals in four games.

After the game, the players made sure to take a picture with Kano Pillars and NPFL legend, 43-year-old Rabiu Ali.

Coach Offor, on his view about the results, described the clean sheet as the icing on the cake for the team.

"The fact that we were able to keep a clean sheet today feels really good. I'm happy we scored, and I'm happy with the performance," he said.

About Junior Lokosa, Offor said he had never doubted the quality of his veteran striker.

"I've never had doubts about him. What he does for us in the dressing room is the most important thing for me.

"He helps the young strikers in the team, like Jonathan and Okon, score goals. That's very important for me," he said.

Sporting Lagos FC, with 11 points, is now 6th on the table after 7 games played.

The Tech Boys will be back on the road as they face Lobi Stars in Nasarawa on Sunday, Nov. 12.

Coach Offor commends Junior Lokosa's contributions to team

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