Ikorodu City FC had to dig deep to defeat Bayelsa United FC 3-2 in the Matchday 36 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos State.

In our first game back at home after a long absence and in front of our incredible supporters, Ikorodu City FC reminded the fans of what it felt like to witness live football as we hit the ground running in just the 2nd minute of play. Okechukwu Nwanna opened the scoring with his first goal for the club, heading in a beautiful cross from Waliu Ojetoye, who had been set in motion by Salau Yusuf.

LINEUP: Oluwadamilare Aina; Waliu Ojetoye, Harrison Uzondu, Chibuike Oheagbulam, Leonard Ngenge; Onwe Kelechi, Salawu Yusuf, Emmanuel Solomon; Tosin Oyedokun,  Adelani Shola, Okechukwu Nwanna. 

In the 8th minute, Okechukwu came close to getting a brace as he fired straight at goal, but his shot lacked the power to beat the goalkeeper.

The visitors drew level in the 11th minute following a defensive mix-up. Tosin scored an unfortunate own goal after a miscommunication with goalkeeper Oluwadamilare Aina, who failed to clear the line after a back pass—allowing the ball to roll into the net.

Following the equalizer, there was a noticeable shift in momentum as the visitors looked to capitalize on the counter in the 17th minute, but some solid defensive work by Chibuike Prestige and a save from Aina kept them at bay.

Oga Boys regained the lead in the 19th minute, and it was Tosin—eager to make amends—who turned from villain to hero, unleashing a belter from outside the box to restore our advantage.

Again, the visitors found a way back in the 26th minute through a corner kick. Winger Auwal Sadiq, left unmarked at the back post, headed the ball home to bring Bayelsa United level once more.

In the 32nd minute, Shola Adelani thought he had put us back in front after being played through on goal, but his effort was flagged offside. Our lads continued to dictate the tempo of the game as we went into the break with the scores tied.

In the second half, our gaffer Nurudeen Aweroro made tactical substitutions, bringing on Ayomide Cole and Moses Shodeinde for Okechukwu Nwanna and Salau Yusuf. The changes injected fresh energy and aggression into our attack, and it paid off in the 62nd minute.

Shola finally got on the scoresheet, putting us ahead once more with a composed header off a deflected cross from Austin. From that point, we seized control of the game.

Aweroro later introduced Dada Olademiji and Rivio Ayenwenre in the 78th minute to maintain the tempo. Super sub Cole almost got on the scoresheet in the 86th minute after being played through by Solomon, but his effort was denied by the goalkeeper.

The game took another twist in added time, as Bayelsa United had a player sent off in the 90+3 minute for a second yellow card offense.

It ended 3-2 in favour of Ikorodu City over Bayelsa United, as we continue to push for a strong finish in our maiden appearance in the top flight.

UP NEXT

Following the victory over Bayelsa United, the team now turns attention to the penultimate game of the season, an away clash against champions elect Remo Stars.

SUBSTITUTES

OUT: Okechukwu Nwanna IN: Ayomide Cole 46’

OUT: Salau Yusuf IN: Moses Shodiende 46’

OUT: Adelani Shola IN: Dada Oladimeji 78’

OUT: Tosin Oyedokun IN: Rivio Ayemwenre 78

OUT: Waliu Ojetoye IN: Sulieman Nasiru 90+3’ 

BOOKING

Yellow

Okechukwu Nwanna 3’

Moses Shodeinde 85’