Ikorodu City FC came from behind to defeat Shooting Stars FC 2-1 in a thrilling Matchday 12 encounter of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) in their first South West Derby at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
Oga Boys extended their fine form, building on their previous away win with another comeback triumph. This victory not only handed us a bragging rights over our regional rivals but also showcased the lads resilience and composure in the second half.
LINE UP: Faith James; Waliu Ojetoye, Harrison Uzondu, Chibuike Oheagbulam, Leonard Ngenge; Olatunji Abdulmalik, Tosin Oyedokun, Salau Yusuf; Adelani Shola Alade Solomon & Emmanuel Solomon.
Nurudeen Aweroro made two changes to the team that defeated Katsina United, with Adelani Shola returning to the starting XI and Leonard Ngenge recovering to start.
The game began with Ikorodu City struggling to contain the visitors’ pace despite enjoying a good share of possession.
In the 7th minute, center-back Chibuike Oheagbulam made a crucial block to deny Shooting Stars’ Anthony Okachi a one-on-one chance against goalkeeper Faith James. However, Shooting Stars took the lead in the 14th minute when Okachi, capitalized to slot past James.
Ikorodu City’s first chance came in the 20th minute when Salau Yusuf’s corner found Adelani Shola, but his header narrowly missed the target. The Oga Boys pushed for an equalizer, with Abdulmalik’s solo effort in the 37th minute going inches wide. The first half ended 1-0 in favor of Shooting Stars.
As usual, Aweroro made tactical second half as Ayomide Cole replaced Solomon Alade. Waliu Ojetoye made a goal-line clearance to keep Ikorodu in the game. A double substitution in the 48th minute brought on Rivio Ayemwenre and Toyeeb Ajeyigbe, injecting fresh energy into the side.
Ikorodu’s equalizer came in the 58th minute when Shola headed home from a corner after a scrambled goal area, punishing the goalkeeper’s hesitation and sending the home fans into jubilation.
Rivio Ayemwenre sealed the comeback in the 88th minute, heading in a precise cross for his fourth goal of the season, assisted by Austin Harrison, who earned his fourth assist.
A standing ovation greeted Shola as he was substituted for Adewale Adebayo, who made his debut. Despite five minutes of added time, the Oga Boys held firm to secure a 2-1 victory, consolidating their position after the win against Katsina United.
UP NEXT
Following this impressive win over Shooting Stars, the team now turn their attention to matchday 13, where they will face Niger Tornadoes away from home. The lads will seek to replicate the victory recorded the last time they travelled away ahead of the next game.
SUBSTITUTES
OUT: Alade Solomon IN: Ayomide Cole 46’
OUT: Salau Yusuf IN: Rivio Ayemwenre 48’
OUT: Emmanuel Solomon IN: Ajeyigbe Toyeeb 48’
OUT: Ajeyigbe Toyeeb IN: Freedom Marvelous 63’
OUT: Adelani Shola IN: Adewale Adebayo 90+5
BOOKINGS
Yellow: Leonard Ngenge – 23’