NPFL: Ikorodu City, Akwa United continue to struggle

Newly promoted Ikorodu City suffered their second successive home defeat after Nasarawa United edged them 2-1 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan on Saturday, www.aclsports.com reports.

The Oga Boys, who lost to Rangers in their rescheduled encounter during the week, could not secure their first top-flight win as the Solid Miners claimed their first win of the new campaign. Anas Yusuf opened the scoring for the visitors before Chilaka Thankgod equalized for the hosts late in the first half. Kabir Balogun’s freekick just after the hour mark decided the contest as Nasarawa United won their first full points of the season.

It was a drab contest between the newly promoted teams until the final ten minutes of the first half when Nasarawa United went in front. A loose pass in midfield was cut out by Chidera Nduka who freed Umar Ibrahim behind the Ikorodu City backline. The former found Yusuf unmarked who then fired past James Faith for the lead.

In first-half stoppage time, Ikorodu found their leveller. A patient build-up involving Kelechi Onwe, Salau Yusuf, and Shola Adelani ended with skipper Waliu Ojetoye receiving the ball on the byline before crossing for Thankgod to head home.

After the break, the Oga boys failed to take their chances and it was the visitors who went in front again. Kabir curled a fine freekick beyond the fingertips of Ikorodu goalkeeper James just after the hour mark. The hosts huffed and puffed afterwards but they failed to get another goal as they suffered back-to-back defeats at home.

In the day’s late kick-off, Akwa United also suffered a 2-1 home loss at the hands of Sunshine Stars. Chinedu Nwosu scored the game’s opening goal in the 19th minute before former Akwa United midfielder Seth Mayi doubled the lead for the visitors and Wisdom Ndon’s late goal was just a mere consolation for the winless Promise Keepers.

The remaining fixtures of match day four will be played on Sunday.