2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 29: Battle royale in Lagos ends in stalemate as Enyimba holds Ikorodu City

Posted : 17 March 2025

It was a battle royale in Lagos as new league comers, Ikorodu City FC, were forced into a stalemate by Nigeria's football powerhouse, Enyimba International FC.

It was undoubtedly a tension-soaked match between the new (Oga Boys) and old (People's Elephant) gladiators, as the turf of Mobolaji Johnson Arena lit up in the tough 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 29.

The match-up did not disappoint the fans, as both sides brought their firepower to the field of play.

The homers, Ikorodu City FC, known for their high pressing game, got the first goal of the match when Tosin Oyedokun's 41st-minute volley sent the spectators into jubilant mode.

Before the goal, Ikorodu City FC's Chineme's long-range effort had beaten the goalkeeper but rattled the crossbar in what could have been the first goal.

Additionally, the combination of Tosin Oyedokun and Waliu Ojetoye forced the keeper into a save in the 10th minute.

The Oga Boys, however, heaved a sigh of relief after the 47th minute, as the center referee blew the whistle for halftime, with the game ending 1-0 in favor of Ikorodu City FC.

Upon resumption of the second half, Ikorodu City FC's coach, Nuruden Aweroro, made his signature second-half substitution, as Ayomide Cole and Toyeeb Ajeyigbe came on to replace Okechukwu Nwanna and Chineme Chinonso.

The Oga Boys were forced to make another substitution in the 51st minute, as Freedom Marvelous went off injured and was replaced by Victor Ejukah.

However, it was the visitors who scored in the 67th minute, courtesy of Mujeeb Odufeso's fine strike.

The People's Elephant quickly rallied for the second goal in the 73rd minute, thanks to Joseph Atule's strike.

With the match played at high intensity, Ikorodu City FC fought frantically to level the score. Coach Aweroro introduced the duo of game changers, Shola Adelani and Rivio Ayemwenre, to replace Emmanuel Solomon and Salau Yusuf.

The equalizer, however, did not come until the seven minutes of added time, when Ayomide Cole scored with a fine finish at the death of the game.

In an interview on the sidelines of the match, in-form striker Shola Adelani commended his teammates for their resilience during the feisty match.

"I enjoyed the fighting spirit of my mates; we all know this is a tough match for us, as Enyimba International came prepared for us.

"We were determined to make something out of the game because we were one goal down, and we needed to level up, as the point was important to us," he said.

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 29: Battle royale in Lagos ends in stalemate as Enyimba holds Ikorodu City

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics