Ikorodu City FC produced a spirited performance on Wednesday to secure a dramatic 3–2 home victory over Bayelsa United FC in a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 36 encounter at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.
The Oga Boys wasted no time making their mark, with Okechukwu Nwanna opening the scoring in just the 2nd minute, heading in a pinpoint cross from captain Waliu Ojetoye.
Bayelsa United responded swiftly, leveling in the 11th minute after Ikorodu goalkeeper Oluwadamilare Aina mishandled a back pass from Austin Uzondu, allowing the visitors an easy tap-in.
Ikorodu City regained the lead in the 19th minute thanks to a thunderous strike from Oyedokun outside the box that left Bayelsa keeper Clinton Ezekiel with no chance. But the visitors hit back once more in the 26th minute, as Auwal Sadiq’s close-range header made it 2–2.
The home side thought they had reclaimed the lead in the 33rd minute, but Tosin Adelani’s effort was ruled offside. At halftime, Ikorodu head coach Nurudeen Aweroro made tactical changes, introducing Ayomide Cole and Moses Shodeinde to strengthen the attack.
The adjustments paid off in the 62nd minute when Shola Adelani connected with an Austin Uzondu cross to restore Ikorodu City’s advantage. Despite late pressure from Bayelsa United, Ikorodu City held on for the crucial three points.
What the shirt says!
Good spirit guys. On to the next one#NPFL25 MD36#OgaBoys \\ #WeAreIkoroduCityFC pic.twitter.com/4xtgY1smdV
— IkoroduCityFC (@IkoroduCityFC) May 7, 2025Bayelsa United’s Dare Ogundare remained positive despite the defeat, saying, “We believed we could get a result, and the boys fought hard. Ikorodu City ended our unbeaten run, and maybe the referee’s decisions helped them too.”
Coach Aweroro credited his halftime pep talk for the turnaround: “I’m happy today. The boys listened, fought back, and showed resilience. There were moments they were too confident, but they responded well, and I had no fear we’d eventually win.”
The win moves Ikorodu City FC to fourth place on the NPFL table with 56 points from 36 matches, boasting 16 wins, 8 draws, and 12 losses.
