After Sporting Lagos’ 4-1 loss to Rivers United in Port Harcourt on Sunday, coach Abdullahi Biffo admitted that he is concerned about his team’s chances of surviving relegation in the Nigeria Premier Football League this season.
Following a four-week break, the NPFL returned, and Rivers United defeated Sporting for the 14th time this season with to goals from Andy Okpe (hat-trick) and Samuel Antwi. Just before halftime, Michael Tochukwu scored Sporting’s lone goal from the penalty spot.
It marked the second defeat in three games for the Lagos side under Biffo, who took over from Paul Offor in April. They are now two points above the drop zone with 41 points.
The former Katsina United coach has been positive about their chances to escape the drop this season, but he also admitted the race was getting more difficult with five games to the end of the season.
“Losing this match is something to worry about. I know that we are going to lose ground and every team below us are fighting seriously. I saw Akwa went to Lobi and won, that’s a threat to our result here,” Biffo said after the defeat on Sunday.
“Nevertheless, it’s not over. We still have five more matches to play. We have to put our heads together and be positive. We have to keep fighting until the last day. We will keep pushing until we get it right.”
Sporting Lagos last five games in the league will see them host title chasers Enugu Rangers on Sunday followed by a visit to relegation-threatened Bayelsa United, a home game against Plateau United before hosting reigning champions Enyimba and end the season with a Southwest Derby date against 3SC in Ibadan.
