Ikorodu City stormed to an impressive 3-0 win over Bendel Insurance on Saturday evening to record their first-ever victory in Nigerian Premier Football League history.
The Lagos based club, led by their assistant coaches, in form of the quartet of Nurudeen Aweroro, Ali Kandil, Bello Adebayo and Sheriff Salami, following the departure of their head coach Bright Ozebagbe during the week.
Looking for their first win in the top-flight, the home team knew they face an uphill task as they’ve not had a good start to the season. They’ve recorded a point from five games and placed 20th on the log.
But after the end of 90 minutes in the Mobolaji Johnson Arena yesterday, there were reasons for optimism under the new guardians of the team.
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Ikorodu City earns first-ever NPFL win
The started the game with intention against a Bendel Insurance side who had not lost in three games. However, despite dominating the first-half, they could not fashion a breakthrough.
The goods started to come in as early the third minute of the second-half. Defender Waliu Ojetoye embarked on an ambitious run from midfield to send a cross to the far post, which was met by the header of Rivio Ayemwenre for 1-0.
It was the first time Ikorodu City has taken a lead in a top-flight game and it got even better seven minutes later, as Kelechi Onwe doubled their advantage following a throw-in from Tosin Oyedokun, leaving the visitor’s goalkeeper in no man’s land.
Substitute Ajeyigbe Toyeeb took the game beyond the reach of Bendel Insurance ten minutes after coming off the bench to make it 3-0 to the host, who make NPFL history as a result.
Though they still remain in the drop zone, they moved from 20th to 17th, and will look to build on the latest result when they travel to Heartland in mid-week.