Rabiu Abdullahi's 79th-minute goal gave host Bayelsa United a 1-0 victory over visitors Ikorodu City of Lagos in a 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 16 encounter at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
Bayelsa United's Technical Adviser, Ladan Bosso, stuck with the same team that defeated Niger Tornadoes in Match Day 14, with Ogundare Arise in defense alongside Gabriel Biriduba, Issa Yusuf, and experienced left-back Hassan Oladimeji.
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Rabiu Abdullahi put the Prosperity Boys ahead in the 79th minute, receiving a long ball from Gabriel Biriduba and capitalizing on a defensive blunder by Ikorodu City to break their resistance, with the hosts dominating the match.
In the 41st minute, Emo James almost gave the former Aiteo Cup champions the lead from Issa Yusuf's beautiful cross, but the effort was saved by Ikorodu City goalkeeper James Faith, who was also tested twice by Rabiu Abdullahi and Wisdom Magbia.
In the 89th minute, Rabiu Abdullahi almost made it 2-0 from Ibrahim Yahaya's rebounded effort, but the celebration was cut short by the center referee for offside.
Substitute Okardi responded immediately in an exhilarating fashion, picking up Yahaya's pass and running past the Ikorodu City defense, but his shot went wide in what could be described as the best chance of the match.
Just before the final whistle, the visitors had the opportunity to restore parity when Ayemenre Rivio's effort was saved by Bayelsa United goalkeeper Godgift Elkanah, ensuring the hosts returned to their base with all three points after a series of victories under Nurudeen Aweroro.
Bayelsa United will next face Akwa United on Sunday at the Samson Siasia Stadium before traveling to Ikenne to battle Remo Stars in a Match Day 18 fixture of the NPFL.
In his post-match reaction, Bayelsa United's coach hailed the resilience of his players despite a sloppy first half, stating that the team would build on the achievements from the last three games.
Ikorodu City coach, Nurudeen Aweroro, acknowledged his team's efforts despite the dropped points, attributing their recent results to hard work.
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