NNL Super 4: Inter Lagos bounce back to end Ranchers Bees’ title hopes

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Inter Lagos responded to their opening defeat at the Nigeria National League Super 4 with a controlled 2-0 victory over Ranchers Bees in Ikenne on Wednesday evening, boosting their chances of a strong finish in the competition, PUNCH Online reports.

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Having both suffered a narrow 1-0 loss in their first match on Monday, both teams entered the encounter under pressure to deliver a positive result or face fading title hopes, and the Lagosians did so with a disciplined and clinical display.

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The first half proved evenly balanced, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances.

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Inter Lagos and Ranchers Bees largely cancelled each other out in midfield, resulting in a goalless scoreline at the interval.

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The breakthrough arrived shortly after the restart. In the 47th minute, Qoyum Akinpelu capitalised on space inside the box to fire a powerful effort past the goalkeeper, giving Inter Lagos a 1-0 lead and shifting the momentum of the game.

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Buoyed by the opener, Inter Lagos grew in confidence and began to assert greater control.

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Akinpelu came close to doubling the advantage soon after but opted to take on the shot himself rather than pass to Bayo Oyedele, narrowly missing the target.

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The second goal, however, followed in the 70th minute when Akinpelu was fouled inside the penalty area.

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Captain Bayo Oyedele stepped up and converted the spot-kick with composure to extend the lead to 2-0.

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With a two-goal cushion, Inter Lagos managed the remainder of the game effectively, restricting Ranchers Bees to limited opportunities while maintaining their defensive organisation.

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The victory marks a much-needed response to their opening-day setback and restores momentum to their Super 4 campaign, with the Bees now mathematically out of the title race.

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Inter Lagos will conclude their fixtures on Friday with a Lagos derby against Sporting Lagos, a match expected to carry added intensity as both sides aim to end their campaign with the second-tier trophy.

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