Gangtok, Oct. 9: GMHK Lions, the all-Nigerian team, played enthralling football at Palzor Stadium here to beat defending champions BSF, Jalandhar, 3-1 in their first match in the quarterfinal league of the 28th All India Governor’s Gold Cup.

BSF took the lead in the third minute through Boy Singh. The equaliser came from Celestine Okonkwo in the 21st minute. This was followed by a beautifully lobbed shot by Abdul Okegbimiro which beat the BSF goalkeeper who had advanced to the top of his box. Lions star striker and former Air India player Subair Muri finished the match with another goal in the 63rd minute.

Fans supporting the lions were seen at the stands in large numbers, waving the Nigerian national flag.