Ikorodu City of Lagos delivered a strong performance to beat NPFL defending champions Rangers International of Enugu for the first on Sunday, reports www.aclsports.com.
A stunning free-kick goal from Aderemi Adeoye and another solo goal from Izuchukwu helped the Oga Boys to a comfortable 2-0 win at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan.
It was a game where both sides struggled in the opening minutes before Super Eagles midfielder Aderemi Adeoye fired a brilliant free-kick home to hand his side the lead in the opening quarter of the match.
Rangers, who were missing goalscoring defender Chidozie Iwundu, threatened more from set-pieces but they met a commanding IKC goalkeeper Michael Atata difficult to beat.
Both sides missed further chances in the half, as the home side took the lead into the break.
After the interval, Ikorodu City were on the ascendancy again but Rangers stood firm early on. Just after the hour mark, winger Izukuchkwu Junior weaved past a couple of red shirts to double his side’s lead with a low strike past goalkeeper Abuchi Okeke.
Rangers got a few chances afterwards but they could not get a goal in the game as the hosts missed further chances on their way to victory over the champions for the first time.
In the game between Kano Pillars and Enyimba in Kano, it finished goalless as the Aba Elephants picked up their first point of the season.
Kun Khalifat picked up their first win of the season with 1-0 win over Kwara United in Owerri. Igwe Igweuzo with the goal. It also finished 1-0 in favour of Nasarawa United against Niger Tornadoes courtesy of Harrison Ebah’s first-half goal.
Plateau United scored two second-half goals through Monday Gideon and Ibrahim Jibril to edge Inter Lagos 2-0 in Jos, while Othuke Egbo’s eighth minute strike earned Warri Wolves all three points against Shooting Stars in Ozoro.
Rampant Abia Warriors thumped Bendel Insurance 3-0 in Aba with Ikoi Ettah and Emeka Obioma (brace) grabbing the goals in the first half.
Ranchers Bees will face Rivers United in the final game of the match day before a number of rescheduled games during the week.
