Ikorodu City Football Club (FC) headed to Minna for their 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 13 encounter, looking to continue their impressive form in November, which had seen them secure three wins out of three matches.
After an intense 90 minutes at the Mohammad Bako Stadium in Minna, the Niger State capital, the game ended goalless. The Oga Boys took a valuable point back to Lagos, maintaining their unbeaten record for the month.
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Coach Nurudeen Aweroro made only two changes to the starting lineup. Marvelous Freedom replaced Leonard Ngenge, who wasn’t available for the trip, while Salau Yusuf missed the game after picking up a knock in the previous match. The attacking trio of the Solomons and Shola remained unchanged.
The lineup featured Faith James in goal; Waliu Ojetoye, Harrison Uzondu, Chibuike Oheagbulam, and Marvelous Freedom in defense; Olatunji Abdulmalik, Tosin Oyedokun, and Rivio Ayemwenre in midfield; and Adelani Shola, Alade Solomon, and Emmanuel Solomon in attack.
It was a nervy start for the Oga Boys, who struggled to settle on the challenging playing surface in Minna after their long trip. The team’s goalkeeper was called into action early, making a crucial save from a point-blank header by Niger Tornadoes.
In the harsh North Central weather, Alade Solomon and Emmanuel Solomon worked hard to create opportunities upfront, forcing the home defenders to stay alert. However, it was goalkeeper Faith James who made two more brilliant stops to keep the score level at halftime.
Ikorodu City showed more composure in the second half, controlling possession and moving as a cohesive unit. Waliu Ojetoye began to exploit the right-hand side with his pace, delivering a cross that was narrowly headed wide by Abdulmalik. Shortly afterward, Alade Solomon attempted a shot that sailed off target.
As the game entered its latter stages, the home side, spurred on by their supporters, piled pressure on the visitors. The final 10 minutes were played largely in Ikorodu City's half, with Niger Tornadoes earning a series of free kicks and corner kicks. However, the Lagos team’s strong defensive efforts and outstanding goalkeeping ensured they held on to claim a valuable point.
With the festive season approaching, Ikorodu City faces a busy schedule. They return to action against El-Kanemi Warriors in a midweek clash on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, and then host Akwa United a few days later, with both matches taking place at their Onikan home ground.
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