Ikorodu City FC delivered a masterful performance at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, scoring four goals without reply against now relegated Giant Brillars. This win not only emphasized their dominance in the Sahara Conference Group B but also ensured they topped their group and secured a ticket for the Nigeria National League playoffs.

LINE UP: Godwin Victor (GK), Waliu Ojetoye (C), Harrison Uzondu, Stephen Micheal, Musa Habeeb, Chibuike Prestige, Onyema Emmanuel, Adelani Shola, Aderibigbe Paul, Tosin Oyedokun, Sulaimon Babatunde.

Ikorodu City made their intentions clear from the outset. In the 2nd minute, Captain Waliu Ojetoye broke through the flank and delivered a precise pass to Paul, who unfortunately missed the chance to convert. Ikorodu City continued to press, earning their first corner kick in the 3rd minute, which was subsequently cleared by the visiting team.

Oga Boys remained relentless. In the 8th minute, Tosin Oyedokun provided a well-placed pass to Paul, who again failed to find the back of the net. Goalkeeper, Victor, was called into action for the first time in the 10th minute and cleared his line effectively. Another opportunity arose in the 12th minute when a well-crafted cross from Waliu found Paul’s head, but his header went straight to the goalkeeper.

Defensively, Ikorodu City was solid. In the 21st minute, defender Chibuike Prestige intercepted a dangerous attack, and a minute later, the Giant Brillars goalkeeper quickly reacted to clear a chance from Waliu on the left flank.

A crucial substitution came in the 38th minute as Afoke Malik replaced Adelani Shola. This change had an immediate impact.

In the 40th minute, Malik robbed a Brillars defender of possession and found Sulaimon, who beat his marker and fired past the goalkeeper to give Ikorodu City the lead.

Just three minutes later, Malik set up Sulaimon again, this time from a corner. Sulaimon slammed the ball in from outside the box, doubling the lead at the first half.

The second half saw increased intensity from both sides. In the 61st minute, Ikorodu City coach made another strategic substitutions, bringing on  Abikoye Uthman for Emmanuel Onyema and Omowanle Emmanuel for the two-goal hero Sulaimon.

In the 67th minute, Harrison Uzondu added a third goal with a beautifully chipped finish over the goalkeeper after being put through on goal by Tosin Oyedokun.

Despite a clear one-on-one chance in the 76th minute, Uthman’s shot was saved by the goalkeeper, denying him a goal.

Ikorodu City wrapped up the game with another goal in the 93rd minute through captain Waliu Ojetoye who capped off the dominant performance with his trademark goal, scoring for the third consecutive game to seal the 4-0 victory.

Ikorodu City’s emphatic win not only secured their top spot in the group but also ensured the primary objective of the season was achieved by qualifying for the Nigeria National League playoffs. The Oga Boys will look to carry this momentum forward, showcasing their strength and ambition as they aim to pick a Nigeria Premier Football League ticket in the playoffs.

SUBSTITUTIONS

OUT: Adelani Shola  IN: Afoke Malik 38’

OUT: Paul Aderibigbe  IN: Adekunle Fatai 46’

OUT: Sulaimon Babatunde  IN: Abikoye Uthman 80’

OUT: Onyema Emmanuel  IN: Omowanle Emmanuel 80’

Unused substitutes: Daniel Adedeji (GK), Oladoja Soji, Daniel Idoko, Fuad Ekeleojuoti