Ikorodu City secured a crucial 1–0 victory over Rivers United to climb into the top four and close the gap on the league leaders in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clash at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Monday, Bold Sports reports.
The Oga Boys entered the encounter eager to end a three-game winless run, while Rivers United were hoping to bounce back from their disappointing late 2–1 defeat to Shooting Stars.
Ikorodu City started brightly, pressing for an early breakthrough and creating some promising chances. However, the hosts were unable to convert their opportunities in the opening stages of the game. They were also forced into a first-half substitution, with Taiwo Alao replacing Abayomi Ayodeji.
The home side made another change at the start of the second half, introducing Folarin Temitope for Dennis Mse. The midfielder made an instant impact just minutes after coming on, reacting quickest after the Rivers United goalkeeper had initially saved an effort from Salami Farouk, to fire home the rebound and give Ikorodu City a 1–0 lead.
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Rivers United pushed forward in search of an equaliser to avoid a second consecutive defeat, but Ikorodu City’s disciplined defensive display ensured the visitors were kept at bay. The hosts held firm to secure all three points and extend their impressive unbeaten run at home.
The victory lifts Ikorodu City to third place on the table with 48 points from 30 matches, leaving them just four points behind leaders Rivers United, who still have a game in hand.
Ikorodu City will look to build on the result when they face Kun Khalifat in their next league outing on Monday, March 23. Meanwhile, Rivers United will aim to avoid a third straight defeat when they travel to take on Niger Tornadoes on Thursday, March 19.
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