Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, and his assistant, Daniel Ogunmodede, were among the dignitaries present at the opening day of the Nigeria National League (NNL) Super Four held at the Remo Stars Stadium.
Chelle had earlier been in Ibadan, where he watched the NPFL Matchday 36 clash between Shooting Stars SC and Nasarawa United alongside Ogunmodede.
The Super Eagles gaffer is currently touring domestic league venues as part of efforts to scout players who could earn call-ups to the national team.
Other notable personalities at the event included former Minister of Sports and current Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare.
Also in attendance were the Chairman of the NNL Board, George Aluo; Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Executive Board member, Ganiyu Majekodunmi; and former international, Felix Owolabi, among others.
On the pitch, Sporting Lagos began their campaign on a winning note, edging Ranchers Bees 1-0 in a closely contested opener at the Remo Stars Stadium.
The Lagos-based side showed early attacking intent and nearly took the lead in the 17th minute when Seun Akanji created the first clear chance, but his effort was denied by the Ranchers Bees goalkeeper.
Sporting Lagos maintained pressure, with Aliyu Baba also posing a threat, but struggled to break down a disciplined Ranchers Bees defence. The breakthrough eventually came in the 40th minute when Shola Oladunjoye combined with Seun Akanji, whose precise cross found Alex Leme for the decisive header, as Sporting Lagos held firm after the break to secure all three points.
