Ikorodu City FC humbled league leaders Nasarawa United with a 2–0 victory in their Matchday 9 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.
Oga Boys began the game in commanding fashion, almost taking the lead in the 8th minute through a well-crafted volley by Gift Udoh that rattled the crossbar. We continued to dominate play over the visitors as skipper Waliu Ojetoye sent a long pass to Musa Malik, who placed it for Oparaocha Chidera to tap in, but he couldn’t get a good contact on the ball.
LINE UP: Michael Atata; Junior Christian, Alfred Odinaka, Gift Udoh, Waliu Ojetoye; Kelechi Onwe, Moses Shodeinde, Folarin Temitope, Joseph Arumala, Musa Maliq, & Oparaocha Chidera.
Oga Boys began the game in commanding fashion, almost taking the lead in the 8th minute through a well-crafted volley by Gift Udoh that rattled the crossbar. We continued to dominate play over the visitors as skipper Waliu Ojetoye sent a long pass to Musa Malik, who placed it for Oparaocha Chidera to tap in, but he couldn’t get a good contact on the ball.
In the 14th minute, we took the lead through striker Chidera, who poked the ball in with a composed finish following a clever cross from Waliu into the box, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. It was Chidera’s first goal for the club in his first start.
In the 18th minute, we suffered a huge setback after midfielder Kelechi Onwe required lengthy medical attention following a knee knock. He was later replaced by Ibifubara Dagogo. The visitors then took control of the midfield and came close to an equalizer in the 25th minute through Anas Yusuf – last season’s top scorer – after our goalkeeper, Michael Atata, failed to claim the ball, but his lobbed effort went narrowly wide.
We suffered another injury blow in the 40th minute after Malik was elbowed in the face, requiring more medical attention. This forced our gaffer, Bright Ozegbagbe, to make a concussion substitute as Dada Oladimeji came on. We went into the break with a 1–0 lead.
The second half saw us take on more defensive duties, with number Junior Christian putting in a solid performance to intercept a goal-bound ball. Coach Bright made another double substitution as Folarin, who had a great game, was replaced by Tomisin Adebayo, while Chidera made way for Anuba Goodluck to bring fresh legs into the game.
We came close to doubling the lead in the 65th minute through Goodluck, who tapped in a cross from Waliu, but it was ruled offside. Three minutes later, we eventually got our second as substitute Oladimeji turned provider with a perfect cross into the box to find Joseph Arumala, who made no mistake with his header. It was his second goal at the Arena and his third of the ongoing season.
We held on to claim all three points, avenging last season’s home defeat to the Solid Miners.
UP NEXT
Following the victory over Nasarawa United, the team will have a bye next weekend as our trip away at Rivers United will be halted due to continental action.
SUBSTITUTES
OUT: Kelechi Onwe IN: Ibifubara Dagogo 18’
OUT: Musa Malik IN: Dada Oladimeji 42’
OUT: Oparaocha Chidera IN: Anuba Goodluck 60’
OUT: Temitope Folarin IN: Tomisin Adebayo