Ikorodu City fell to a 1-3 loss to Madiba FC in Lagos on match day four of the Nigeria National League (NNL) 22/2023 season to suffer a consecutive defeat in the league.
It was the first time both teams would meet in the NNL and two penalties either side of a goal handed a win for the Oshodi boys and saw Ikorodu City concede a first ever home loss in all competitions in four hundred and sixty-two days of the clubs’ existence.
Toheeb Gidado returns from injury and joins Alex Ekwunife back into the Matchday squad and starting XI. Paul Aderibigbe who was a sub in the last game starts in attack today and Kenechukwu drops to the bench.
It was a contrasting start to the game as both team struggled to settle down but Ikorodu City at some point controlling the game and creating opportunities that saw Paul miss from point blank range and also putting the defenses under pressure.
Late in the half, poor defending put Victor in a difficult position and he made contact with an attacker leading to a penalty from the referee which was dispatched by opposing goalkeeper, Tijani Mohammed to end the first half.
The second half saw the away side start with so much pressure and scoring a second minutes later off a great hit from a ball from the corner. Our skipper, Tosin Oyedokun however reduced the deficit directly from a well take free kick outside the area.
The comeback wasn’t to come however despite changes from the coaches as a second penalty ensured Madiba put the game to bed when Alex fouled a striker.
A 1-3 loss meant it was back to back defeat for Ikorodu City as they travel to Ekiti to face Ekiti United and fight for survival.
SUBSTITUTIONS
OUT- Toheeb Gidado IN- Ayoade Babatunde
OUT- Taheer Abubarkar IN- Ezeja Kenechukwu
OUT- Ezeja Kenechukwu IN- Adebayo Ayodele
OUT- Paul Aderibigbe IN- Chinedu Nwagha
OUT- Hassan Olubode IN- Gabriel Adewara