NPFL: Jonathan Alukwu’s late goal secures 1-1 draw for Sporting Lagos against Heartland

Former Heartlands player Jonathan Arkwu has been in great form for Sporting Lagos this season, scoring four goals in his last five games.

Sporting Lagos’ electrifying striker Jonathan Alukwu scored the winning goal in extra time at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, securing a point for his team, Soccernet.ng reported.

Coach Paul Ofor launched a famous attacking duo of Locosa and Arkou, who proved to be killers at home in the league.

The boisterous Lagosians were desperate to make up for last week’s loss to Lovisters in Nasarawa and turn things around at home, coming close to taking the lead six minutes into the game.

Meanwhile, Heartland was the only team without a win in the NPFL this season, having drawn five games and lost three before the game, and desperately needed a win to stay in 20th place.

Six minutes into the match, Jonathan Arkou’s attempt was blocked by opposing goalkeeper Chisom Chiaha, and four minutes later, Jonathan came close to scoring again, but missed.

The 20-year-old continued to trouble Heartland’s defense in the second half, with his through ball finding Locosa in space, but the Super Eagles striker’s shot hit the crossbar.

With 15 minutes to go, a miscommunication from Sporting’s defense allowed Chisom Orji to slot the ball into his own net after a throw-in, leaving the hosts wondering if they could get something back that they had hoped for in the game. There was much left to do.

The referee added another 10 minutes to the 90 minutes already played, and Sporting continued to put pressure on the Heartland defense.

A corner from the hosts’ side was not dealt with properly by the opposition defense and the ball fell kindly to Arcuu, who wasted no time in firing a shot on goal as there was only a minute left.

2 points dropped at home, not the result we needed.

FT’|Sporting Lagos🔵|1-1|Heartland FC🔴#NPFL24 #SundayWithSporting pic. twitter.com/SqLzMje0oZ

– Sporting Lagos (@SportingLagos) 19. 2023 年 11 月

Despite dropping two points at home, Sporting have 12 points from their first nine league games, leaving them five points behind leaders Doma United.