Impressive Ikorodu City snapped Rivers United’s nine-game unbeaten run with a 2-0 win in their Nigeria Premier Football League game at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos on Sunday.
The Oga Boys scored two second half goals from substitutes Ayomide Cole and Rivio Ayemwenre to hand Finidi George’s side their first loss of the campaign.
Ikorodu City came into the game on the back of a loss to Enyimba in Aba, while Rivers United dropped points at home to Elkanemi and were looking to extend their fine start to the season.
Following an eventful first half that saw former Ikorodu City forward Taofeeq Otaniyi hit the upright and Yusuf Salau’s double effort saved by United goalkeeper, the game was still goalless at the break with plenty to play for in the second 45 minutes.
Before the restart, Ikorodu City’s interim coach Nurudeen Aweroro introduced Rivio Ayemwenre, Ayomide Cole, Toheeb Ajeigbe for Yusu Salau, Solomon Alade and Emmanuel Solomon.
Just moments later, Cole turned home a fine cross from Waliu Ojetoye to hand the home side the lead. One soon became two when Rivio Ayemwenre, after a series of blocks and saves from the goalkeeper, buried into the bottom corner to send the home crowd into wild jubilations.
In the end, Rivers United could not find a way back into the game as the Oga Boys made it three consecutive wins at home in the NPFL this term.
In other results, Remo Stars defeated Lobi Stars courtesy of Michael Ibe’s goal to go top of the log. Ibrahim Mustapha scored the only goal to help Elkanemi Warriors beat Katsina United in Maiduguri.
There were also 2-0 home wins for Rangers and Niger Tornadoes against Nasarawa United and Shooting Stars respectively. Godwin Obaje scored both goals for the defending champions, while Godstime Joseph and Rickson Mendos scored for Tornadoes in their first win of the season in Minna.
Meanwhile, Ahmed Musa scored a late winner to lead Kano Pillars to a comeback 2-1 win over Plateau United in Katsina. Saka Gafar handed the visitors the lead before ageless Rabiu Ali grabbed the equalizer for Sai Masu Gida. Musa then scored in stoppage time to take Pillars back to winning ways.
Bendel Insurance and Heartland secured wins on the road against Sunshine Stars and Abia Warriors respectively.
Match day 11 games will be played next weekend.
MD 10 RESULTS
Rangers 2-0 Nasarawa Utd
Kano Pillars 2-1 Plateau Utd
Sunshine Stars 1-2 Insurance
Abia Warriors 0-2 Heartland
Bayelsa Utd 1-1 Enyimba
Ikorodu City 2-0 Rivers Utd
Tornadoes 2-0 3SC
Akwa Utd 2-1 Kwara Utd
Remo Stars 1-0 Lobi
El-Kanemi 1-0 Katsina Utd
