Joel Ajayi
Yusuf Fantami emerged the hero as Doma United edged Inter Lagos 1-0 in a fiercely contested Nigeria National League (NNL) Super Four encounter on Monday night in Ikenne.
Under the floodlights of the Remo Stars Stadium, the Savannah Tigers delivered a disciplined and determined performance, with Fantami’s decisive header proving the difference in a match filled with intensity and late drama.
The breakthrough came from a well-worked attacking move, as Doma United carved open the Inter Lagos defence before Fantami rose highest to nod home with precision, sending his side into the lead.
Both teams battled relentlessly in an end-to-end affair, creating chances and showing the quality that earned them promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). However, the contest took a dramatic turn late on as tensions boiled over.
Inter Lagos were reduced to ten men in the 82nd minute after Adigun was shown a red card for an elbow, and the situation quickly escalated with Doma United’s Kennedy also receiving his marching orders moments later for unsporting behaviour.
Despite the numerical setback on both sides, Doma United held firm in the closing stages to secure a hard-fought victory.
The result sees Doma United move level on points with Sporting Lagos, who earlier defeated Ranchers Bees in the opening fixture of the day, setting up an intriguing race for the Super Four title.
Man of the Match honours went to Adam Simbad, who delivered a composed and influential performance across the pitch.
Reacting after the game, Simbad expressed his delight at the recognition while keeping focus on the team’s objective.
“Words can not express how happy I am to pick up this award, but the most important thing is the victory we achieved today. We are here in Ikenne to win the title, and we will keep pushing to make that happen.”
While all four participating teams have already secured promotion to the NPFL, the tournament remains crucial in determining the overall champion of the NNL.
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