Ikorodu City dug deep under the Lagos sun to claim a hard-earned 1-0 win over Kwara United in a fiercely contested Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) encounter at the Onikan Stadium on Sunday, January 18.
The NPFL Matchday 21 clash was decided almost as soon as it began. Just five minutes into the game, academy graduate Ezekiel Samuel rose highest to power home a precise header from a teasing delivery by Jaguar Uche. The early breakthrough sent the home fans into raptures and set the tone for a tense afternoon.
Despite conceding early, Kwara United refused to fold. They grew into the game and created moments of real pressure, only to be denied by a resolute Ikorodu City defence and a stunning double save from goalkeeper Michael Atata just before the half-time break.
Injuries and substitutions disrupted the rhythm on both sides. Kwara United were forced into an early change when Tosin Oyedokun limped off, while Ikorodu City shuffled their pack in the second half to protect their slender lead. Five minutes of added time brought fresh anxiety, but the hosts stood firm to secure all three points.
The result lifted Ikorodu City into third place on the table. For Kwara United, it was another frustrating afternoon that left them hovering just above the relegation zone.
Speaking after the final whistle, Kwara United star man Jimoh Gbadamosi did not hide his disappointment.
“It was a good game overall,” Gbadamosi told Naija News. “We came here determined to pick up points, so, unfortunately, we lost. We are not happy with the result, especially because we believed we could get something from this match.”
Reflecting on what went wrong, Gbadamosi pointed to a momentary lapse. He noted: “I do not have much to say, but the first goal came from a lack of communication. Aside from that, there was nothing too major.”
Looking ahead, the former Abia Warriors star said: “We need to work on our mistakes and correct them ahead of the next game. That is the main focus for us going forward.”
Confidence, he insisted, has not been shaken. “We are hopeful and confident that we can win our next game. We will work hard to make sure we improve and get the right result,” the midfielder noted.
Gbadamosi reserved special praise for the travelling fans who stayed behind long after the final whistle. He said, “I really appreciate the supporters for their unity and support. Even though we lost, they still showed up for us, and that means a lot. I promise them that in our next game, we will give our best and fight for a positive result.”
Complete NPFL Results of the Matchday 21 games played today, January 18:
Kano Pillars 0-1 Abia Warriors
Rivers United 1-0 Remo Stars
Enyimba 0-0 Barau
Bendel Insurance 3-2 El-Kanemi Warriors
Nasarawa United 2-1 Niger Tornadoes
Ikorodu City 1-0 Kwara United
Bayelsa United 2-0 Shooting Stars
Plateau United 1-0 Wikki Tourists
Pending Matchday 21 fixtures:
Monday, 19 January
Warri Wolves vs Katsina United
4 p.m.
Kun Khalifat FC vs Enugu Rangers
4 p.m.
