Junior Lokosa: Sporting Lagos coach and supporters disagree on NPFL veteran striker

Sporting Lagos coach Paul Offor and the supporters have disagreed with the impact of Junior Lokosa in the team. (Photo Credit: Sporting Lagos and Pulse Sports.)

Junior Lokosa: Sporting Lagos coach and supporters disagree on NPFL veteran striker

Izuchukwu Akawor 11:58 - 23.12.2023

Junior Lokosa had a game to forget for Sporting Lagos against Bayelsa United and the fans have had enough of the veteran striker.

The manager of newly promoted Sporting Lagos, Paul Offor, is at variance with supporters of the club over veteran striker Junior Lokosa

This divide has emerged after another the club dropped more points against Bayelsa United in the NPFL, with Lokosa unconvincing again for the Tech Boys.

Lokosa’s NPFL legacy

The forward is well-respected in the Nigeria Professional Football League after his successful time with former champions Kano Pillars.

He has carved a reputation for himself with his ability to score goals having emerged as the top scorer in 2018 with 19 goals to his name.

Junior Lokosa celebrates the winning goal. against Niger Tornadoes. (Photo Credit: Sporting Lagos/X)

However, five years on, conflicting perspectives now cast a shadow over his position and importance at Sporting Lagos. 

Lokosa’s latest outing against Bayelsa United has sparked a dialogue between fans and the club manager.

Junior Lokosa with a fine opener for Sporting Lagos against Kano Pillars. (Photo Credit: Pooja Media/X)

Coach’s View vs. Fan Expectations

With just three goals to his name so far this season in the NPFL, Lokosa failed to take some of the glaring chances against the Prosperity Boys at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, in Onikan.

That display which ultimately cost Sporting two points after a 1-1 draw has left coach Paul and the fans at odds regarding the impact of the 30-year-old.

Coach Paul Offor says Lokosa has done it all in the NPFL.

After the game, the fans made their feelings known with shouts of “Stop playing Junior Lokosa, stop playing Lokosa,” from the famous Happy Corner Stand. 

This is not the first time the fans have expressed frustration over Lokosa’s performance for the team, but according to the coach of the side, Lokosa remains a respected figure that can’t be taught how to score.

Sporting Lagos fans express their Lokosa frustration at full time against Bayelsa United.
Sporting Lagos fans express their Lokosa frustration at full time against Bayelsa United.

“You are asking what can be done to improve a reputable striker like Junior Lokosa,” Coach Paul said during his post-match press conference. 

“He has done it over and over again, he’s a legend of the game but unfortunately he couldn’t connect,” he added. 

“But I still trust in his ability and I know what he brings into the dressing room.”

With two more points dropped against the 10-man Bayelsa United, who were inspired by NPFL top scorer, Robert Mizo, the Tech Boys failed to return to winning ways.

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Sporting are winless in three matches which leaves them 14th on the table, just two points above the relegation zone.

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