The highly anticipated Southwest derby between newly promoted Ikorodu City and two-time runners-up Remo Stars ended in a 1-1 draw at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, a result that shuffled the standings at the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). The match, played under the Lagos lights, lived up to its billing, offering a thrilling encounter for the fans. Remo Stars drew first blood early in the game, capitalizing on a quick throw-in by Ibrahim Abubakar. Ibrahim Shuaib, seizing the opportunity, found the back of the net in the 8th minute, giving the visitors an early advantage.
Ikorodu City, spurred by the early deficit, mounted immediate pressure on the Remo Stars defense. Their efforts nearly paid dividends on several occasions, only to be thwarted by the impressive goalkeeping of Remo’s Adebiyi Obassa, who pulled off three crucial saves before halftime, keeping his team’s lead intact. The first half ended with Remo Stars holding a slender 1-0 advantage, setting the stage for an exciting second half.
The second half continued in much the same vein, with Ikorodu City pressing for an equalizer and Remo Stars seeking to extend their lead. Remo had a golden opportunity to double their advantage through a free-kick taken by Faisal Sani, but his effort sailed over the bar. A turning point in the match came just before the hour mark when Remo Stars were reduced to ten men following Ahmed Akinyele’s second yellow card and subsequent dismissal. This numerical disadvantage shifted the momentum firmly in Ikorodu City’s favor.
Ikorodu City, now with a man advantage, intensified their attacks, relentlessly probing the Remo Stars defense. Their persistence finally paid off in dramatic fashion in the 90th minute. Salau Yusuf delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, finding the head of Chinonso Chineme, who made no mistake, heading the ball home to level the scores. The late equalizer sparked wild celebrations among the Ikorodu City faithful, as they salvaged a point from a hard-fought encounter.
The draw had implications for the league standings. Ikorodu City slipped to sixth place, while Remo Stars relinquished their top spot to Rivers United. Rivers United capitalized on Remo’s draw, securing a crucial victory against Kwara United in a spirited second-half performance. This win propelled them to the summit of the NPFL table with 32 points from 17 matches, establishing a two-point lead over their closest rivals.
The match between Ikorodu City and Remo Stars showcased the exciting and competitive nature of the NPFL. Both teams displayed attacking intent and defensive resilience, providing a captivating spectacle for the fans. The late equalizer added a dramatic twist to the proceedings, highlighting the unpredictable nature of football. The result also underscored the importance of each match in the tightly contested league, with every point proving crucial in the race for the title. The final whistle blew with both teams sharing the spoils, leaving Ikorodu City satisfied with a hard-earned point and Remo Stars ruing their missed opportunities to solidify their position at the top of the table. The shift in league standings further intensified the competition, promising an exciting and unpredictable remainder of the NPFL season.
