Ikorodu City FC returned to winning ways, putting two goals past former league champions Rivers United in a thrilling MatchDay 10 clash in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

Oga Boys delighted their home fans, handing visiting Rivers United their first league defeat of the season. Two quick second-half goals helped erase the sting of previous loss and set the team back on track.

Head Coach Nurudeen Aweroro made a late change to the Starting XI, with goalkeeper Faith James stepping in for Aina Oluwadamilare, who picked up an injury during warm-up.

LINEUP:

Faith James; Waliu Ojetoye, Harrison Uzondu, Chibuike Oheagbulam, Leonard Ngenge; Olatunji Abdulmalik, Tosin Oyedokun, Adelani Shola; Alade Solomon, Emmanuel Solomon, Salau Yusuf.

Ikorodu City began the game calmly, feeling out the opposition’s weaknesses. The first real chance came in the 7th minute when an unmarked Adelani Shola sprinted downfield and laid a pass to Salau Yusuf, who was through on goal. However, his shot was well saved, marking the first shot on target.

Salau came close again in the 14th minute, but his point blank effort was parried away, while an Alade Solomon header went just wide. Both teams searched for an opener, with Oga Boys creating the better chances, yet the first half ended goalless.

At the start of the second half, Aweroro made a triple substitution, bringing in Ayomide Cole, Ayemwenre Rivio, and Ajeyigbe Toyeeb for Alade Solomon, Salau Yusuf, and Emmanuel Solomon. The changes had an immediate impact as Cole tapped in a cross from captain Waliu in the 48th minute, sending the crowd into a frenzy and marking his first goal in the top flight.

Just five minutes later, Ikorodu doubled the lead with a brilliant combination between Ajeyigbe Toyeeb and Rivio. Toyeeb laid it off for Rivio, who coolly slotted it in, marking his third goal in five games.

Rivers United tried to respond in the 85th minute, but a swift counterattack was expertly blocked by center back Chibuike Prestige. The visitors grew frustrated, resulting in multiple yellow cards for rough tackles, while keeper Faith James also saw yellow for delaying the restart despite a solid performance.

The match ended 2-0 in favor of Oga Boys, halting Rivers United’s 9-match unbeaten run.

UP NEXT:

Following this impressive win, the team now turns their attention to Match day 11, where they will face Kastina United away from home. The lads aim to carry the momentum from this win into their next match.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

OUT: Salau Yusuf | IN: Ayemwenre Rivio 46’

OUT: Alade Solomon | IN: Ayomide Cole 46’

OUT: Emmanuel Solomon | IN: Ajeyigbe Toyeeb 46’

OUT: Tosin Oyedokun | IN: Folarin Temitope 85’

OUT: Adelani Shola | IN: Freedom Marvelous 85’

BOOKINGS:

Yellow Card: Faith James (GK) 89’