Following the return of our home fans after a two-match stadium ban, Ikorodu City FC welcomed them back with a thrilling 2-1 victory, coming from behind to defeat Kwara United in the Matchday 23 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos State.
The game began in unexpected fashion as we conceded in the first minute due to a miscommunication in defense. Goalkeeper Oluwadamilare Aina was caught out of position, allowing midfielder Junior Aimufua to put the visitors ahead, stunning the home crowd.
LINEUP: Oluwadamilare Aina; Waliu Ojetoye, Harrison Uzondu, Chibuike Oheagbulam, Freedom Marvelous; Onwe Kelechi, Moses Shodeinde, Adelani Shola; Tosin , Toyeeb Ajeyigbe, Chineme Chinonso.
Despite the early setback, our lads did not let it dampen their performance, pushing for an equalizer with a dominant display on the ball. Moses Shodeinde orchestrated play from midfield, and the breakthrough came in the 7th minute. Captain Waliu Ojetoye delivered a low cross from the right flank, and Toyeeb Ajeyigbe slammed it home to level the score.
Following the equalizer, Oga Boys controlled the rhythm of the game and nearly took the lead in the 14th minute through Toyeeb, who attempted a bicycle kick. Moses came close again in the 37th minute with an audacious shot from outside the box, forcing a great save from the goalkeeper as the first half ended 1-1.
At the start of the second half, our gaffer Nurudeen Aweroro made a double substitution, bringing on Ayomide Cole and Folarin Temitope for Chineme Chinonso and Moses Shodeinde as we pressed for the lead. Despite dominating possession, we had to stay sharp defensively, with center-back Freedom Marvelous making a crucial interception in the 50th minute to halt a counterattack from the visitors.
The all-important goal came in the 64th minute, once again showcasing our set-piece prowess. Harrison Uzondu delivered a pinpoint cross from a corner kick, and Shola Adelani produced a brilliant near-post header to complete the comeback—his seventh goal of the season, sending our supporters into a frenzy.
With Kwara United pushing for an equalizer, our team remained composed while staying alert to capitalize on any defensive lapses. In the 90+3rd minute, Aweroro handed new midfield signing Manasseh Gideon his home debut, replacing match winner Shola Adelani.
The game ended 2-1 in favor of Ikorodu City, marking our first unbeaten test against an NPFL team in our debut season.
UP NEXT
Following this impressive win over Kwara United, the team now turns its attention to Matchday 24, away to Nasarawa United in a bid to avenge the home loss suffered in the reverse fixture.
SUBSTITUTES
OUT: Chineme Chinonso IN: Ayomide Cole 46’
OUT: Moses Shodeinde IN: Folarin Temitope 46’
OUT: Toyeeb Ajeyigbe IN: Dada Oladimeji 60’
OUT: Shola Adelani IN: Manasseh Gideon 90+3’