Ikorodu City returned to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table after a hard fought 2-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos on Sunday.
The NPFL matchday 25 encounter was closely contested, with both sides struggling to find rhythm in a cagey first half that produced little goalmouth action. The breakthrough finally arrived just after the hour mark when Ikorodu City were awarded a penalty following a foul on Chidera Oparaocha inside the box. Winger Joseph Arumala stepped up and calmly converted to give the hosts the lead, scoring his second consecutive league goal at home.
The game opened up after the goal as Niger Tornadoes pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Ahmadu Liman tested Ikorodu City goalkeeper Michael Atata with a strong effort that forced a fine save, while Abdulrasheed Dabai later delivered a dangerous ball across the area that narrowly evaded his teammates.
Ikorodu City absorbed the pressure and sealed the contest late on with a well executed counter attack. Captain Tosin Oyedokun released Arumala in behind the defence and the winger’s low effort found the net to complete his brace and secure all three points for the Oga Boys. The win marked Ikorodu City’s eighth victory in their last ten home league matches and lifted them back to the summit of the table.
Elsewhere, Nasarawa United missed the chance to go clear at the top after being held to a 1-1 draw by Bayelsa United in Lafia. Victor John gave the hosts an early lead before Energy Otunuya equalised just before half time.
In Jos, Plateau United claimed a crucial 1-0 win over 10 man Kwara United in a relegation battle, with substitute Sadiq Yusuf scoring the decisive goal in the 89th minute. Kano Pillars boosted their survival hopes with a narrow 1-0 victory over defending champions Remo Stars, as Luis Dadong scored the only goal to move Pillars up to 17th position and leave Remo Stars deep in relegation trouble.
The Oriental derby between Abia Warriors and Rangers ended goalless in Aba, while Warri Wolves and Elkanemi Warriors also played out a scoreless draw in Ozoro. Bottom placed Kun Khalifat recorded a vital 2-0 win over Shooting Stars in Owerri, with goals from James Ekebuike and Blessed Iyamu.
On Saturday, Bendel Insurance continued their impressive run under Kennedy Boboye with a 2-0 win over Enyimba, courtesy of goals from Alex Oweilayefa and Efe Ubiomo. Meanwhile, the clash between Wikki Tourists and Katsina United was abandoned in the 78th minute due to poor visibility with the score level at 3-3. Uche Collins of Kastina scored his second hat trick of the season in the game, taking his tally to 10 goals and becoming the first player to reach double figures this NPFLcampaign. The match is scheduled to resume on Monday.
