Sporting Lagos clinch 2025 Gold Cup in dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory

Sporting Lagos lifted the 2025 Gold Cup for the first time in their history after edging FC Ebedei 4-3 in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout on Saturday.

The final, held under high tension, saw Sporting Lagos squander a 2-0 lead before sealing the win from the spot.

The match began with early drama as Sporting Lagos took the lead in the 8th minute through an own goal by Joseph Okuaghaare, who inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.

FC Ebedei had a golden chance to respond just minutes later, but Olanshile Lawal failed to convert a one-on-one opportunity against goalkeeper Clinton Lawani.

Sporting Lagos carried their slim advantage into halftime, and just two minutes after the restart, they doubled their lead. Lasisi Alabi finished off a swift counterattack in the 47th minute, putting the Lagos side firmly in control.

FC Ebedei refused to back down. Miracle Osakene reignited their hopes with a well-taken goal in the 61st minute, and the Oliseh Boys completed their comeback in extra time, bundling in a scrappy equalizer from a goalmouth scramble to force penalties.

The shootout was a tense affair. FC Ebedei had the chance to win it, but Fanen Terkula missed a crucial kick, allowing Sporting Lagos to convert their final attempt and claim the trophy.

It was a rollercoaster finale to a gripping contest, and a landmark moment for Sporting Lagos as they etched their name into Gold Cup history.