After a rocky start to their inaugural season in the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL), Ikorodu City faced skepticism and criticism from fans and analysts alike. At the beginning of the season, their performance was lackluster, with the team failing to secure a win in its first five matches, scoring just one goal while conceding seven. The dire situation saw the team at the bottom of the league table, prompting fears about relegation and leading to the resignation of their head coach, Bright Ozebagbe. Nurudeen Aweroro, the assistant coach, took over on an interim basis, and after a challenging few months, the team’s fortunes began to shift.
The turning point for Ikorodu City occurred on October 12, when they delivered a stunning 3-0 victory over Bendel Insurance, buoyed by strong performances from summer signings such as Rivio Ayemwenre, Kelechi Onwe, and Toyeeb Ajeyigbe. This win not only lifted the team’s spirits but also marked the beginning of an impressive run of form. Over the next ten matches, the team secured seven wins, drew two, and only lost once to perennial giants Enyimba. This transformation propelled them from the bottom of the standings to a commendable third place, demonstrating their resilience and ability to adapt in the face of early setbacks.
As the season unfolded, Ikorodu City emerged as the league’s highest-scoring side, netting 22 goals in total, which was six goals more than their closest rivals, Remo Stars. Their standout performances included a thrilling 4-1 victory over Akwa United, marking the second time this season they achieved a four-goal haul in a single match. Central to their attacking prowess was left-back Harrison Uzondu, who led the league with five assists, showcasing the team’s depth and collective strength. The supporters who once doubted the team were now filled with hope and excitement, as NPFL enthusiasts began to consider them potential title challengers in their debut season.
Fan engagement and support played a pivotal role in revitalizing Ikorodu City, as attendance at matches increased in correlation with their improved performances. The initial struggles had led to dwindling support, but following the victories, there was a noticeable resurgence in interest. Social media buzzed with excitement, with fans expressing their renewed commitment to the team, eagerly looking forward to matches at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. The growing attendance not only positively impacted club morale but also boosted ticket sales and merchandise demand, as the local community rallied around the team.
Despite the ongoing adulation from fans and the media, interim coach Aweroro emphasized the importance of maintaining realistic objectives. While the surge to third place instilled confidence, he remained cautious, reiterating that their primary goal was to avoid relegation. Aweroro highlighted the necessity of keeping focus and not succumbing to the pressure of high expectations. The club’s hierarchy echoed this sentiment, ensuring that while they were delighted with their recent form, they remained grounded in their objectives, aware of the challenges that lay ahead.
As they approached a crucial December filled with more difficult fixtures, including matches against Bayelsa United and two southwest derbies at home against Remo Stars and Sunshine Stars, Ikorodu City continued its pursuit of consistency and growth. This period was critical for solidifying their position in the league and further captivating the hearts of their supporters. With renewed hope and ambition, the team aimed to sustain their impressive run while maintaining the support of a fanbase that had transformed their perception of the newly promoted club from relegation fodder to a credible contender in the NPFL.
