Ikorodu City returned to winning ways in the Nigeria Premier Football League on Sunday, securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Kwara United at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.
The victory was sealed inside the opening five minutes when Samuel Ezekiel met a precise cross from Jaguar Uche to head the hosts into an early lead.
Despite the early deficit, Kwara gradually asserted themselves, with Akeem Akanni, Johnmark Aule and Babatunde Bright leading their efforts to level the score.
Akanni’s powerful strike forced a fine save from the Ikorodu goalkeeper Michael Atata, and Aule’s follow-up narrowly missed the target.
Tactical substitutions in the second half, including Eze Ogbodo, Mahe Alege and Mustapha Salisu, provided renewed impetus, but the visitors were unable to break down a resolute Ikorodu defence.
The victory lifts the Oga Boys to 35 points from 21 matches, moving them comfortably in third place on the NPFL table.
Kwara United remain 16th with 24 points and will host Rivers United in their next fixture.
Meanwhile, Rivers United edged past 10-man Remo Stars with a late strike from Okon Aniekeme to grab a 1-0 win at home.
The Sky Blues Stars were reduced to ten men in the 50th minute after Chilekwu Chigozie was sent off, but they weathered pressure from the home before succumbing to pressure in the 80th minute.
Rivers now lead the NPFL standings on 41 points, with Abia Warriors second on 37 following a 1-0 win over Kano Pillars.
Elsewhere on matchday 21, Bendel Insurance defeated El-Kanemi Warriors 3-2, Bayelsa United overcame Shooting Stars 2-0 with goals from Peter Ebimobowei and Chinedu Emmanuel, and Plateau United edged Wikki Tourists 1-0 thanks to Temitope Vincent’s strike.
Nasarawa United secured a 2-1 victory over Niger Tornadoes, while Enyimba and Barau played out a goalless draw in coach Deji Ayeni’s first game in charge for the Peoples’ Elephants.
The Solid Miners are also eyeing a spot at the table’s summit, with 35 points in fourth position, while Insurance occupy fifth with 32 points after a turnaround in their season.
At the lower end, Khalifat remain 20th with 18 points after their latest defeat an Remo suffered a slump back to 15th in their forgettable title defence run.
