2024/2025 NPFL Mid-Week Match Day 14: Stakes high as unbeaten Ikorodu City welcomes borderless El-Kanemi Warriors

Posted : 27 November 2024

It will be another mid-week Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) cracker as high-flying Ikorodu City FC welcomes the borderless El-Kanemi Warriors to the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, for the 2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 14.

What is fascinating is how the stand-in coach of the Oga Boys, Nuruden Aweroro, has been able to galvanize the club, which he found in a precarious state, into one of the most formidable sides in the league now.

Watch NPFL Matches LIVE: https://www.africasport.net/livetv/nigeria

Aweroro inherited the club (Ikorodu City FC) in 18th position, winless in all league matches, but now, the Oga Boys sit comfortably in 8th position and have yet to lose in four straight matches, including a memorable 2-1 win away at Katsina.

As for El-Kanemi Warriors, they have done well and are one of the most consistent sides, with just one loss in their 13 league encounters.

One of the new revelations in recent weeks, having helped the team secure massive points in the last six games, Abdulmalik Olatunji, speaks about the mood in the camp.

The defensive midfielder, who replaced the injured Kelechi Onwe, is happy to see the team evolve after a tough start to the season.

“To be honest, it has been a rollercoaster of a season. We’ve had our ups and downs, and thankfully, we are winning now. It has been a great experience so far.”

The tall midfielder also acknowledged that he had to wait for his opportunity.

“I feel good. I’m just trying to help the team in any way I can. I waited for my time, and it’s been great so far.”

Debuting in the NPFL has taken its toll on the player as well, and he shared his experience.

“It is quite tough. It is intense. We are playing against professionals now, and it has become a daily routine to put your best into training and matches. So, it is demanding, and I’m enjoying it.”

“I’m good with duels, and physically, I blend in well, so it’s no problem for me.”

The team had started the season poorly. Malik shares what the players did to turn things around.

“We spoke as a group. We knew we were playing good football; we only needed to get the results. So, we decided to take every game as a final, and it has been working for us.”

As the season approaches the midway point, Malik says the team is only focused on each game.

“We don’t want to worry about that. We just want to take each game as it comes.”

Head-to-head
This is the first meeting between the two sides in top-flight football.

2024/2025 NPFL Mid-Week Match Day 14: Stakes high as unbeaten Ikorodu City welcomes borderless El-Kanemi Warriors

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