Enyimba were held to a 1-1 draw by determined hosts Ikorodu City at Onikan Stadium on Sunday, leaving the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table tighter at the top.
Despite taking an early lead through an own goal, The People’s Elephant couldn’t break down resilient defence of the Oga Boys, with Joseph Arumala’s quick response earning the home side a deserved point.
Enyimba vs Ikorodu City ends in stalemate
Enyimba appeared in control when an unfortunate own goal in the 12th minute handed them the lead.
However, Ikorodu City responded almost immediately, as Joseph Arumala latched onto a precise pass from Kelechi to fire in a first-time finish in the 17th minute.
The remainder of the contest was a high-tempo battle. Enyimba displayed flashes of attacking quality, pressing for a winner, but Ikorodu City stayed organised, making key substitutions to maintain intensity and frustrate their visitors.
Both teams had late chances, but the scoreline remained 1-1 at full time.
Star Performers
Joseph Arumala (Ikorodu City): Continued his scoring streak with a composed equaliser.
Kelechi (Ikorodu City): Assisted the crucial goal and helped maintain midfield control.
Enyimba Defence: Despite conceding, they held strong to prevent further damage against a motivated home side.
Enyimba remain unbeaten but drop to second on the NPFL table with 12 points, just behind leaders Nasarawa United.
Ikorodu City consolidate mid-table with seven points from six matches, having drawn four times this season.
Elsewhere, Plateau United climbed out of the relegation zone after a narrow 1-0 win over El-kanemi Warriors, while Barau FC celebrated their first league victory of the season with a 3-1 victory over Kun Khalifat FC.
Shooting Stars also grabbed their first away win against Warri Wolves, 2-1, and Nasarawa United maintained pressure at the top with a 2-0 victory over Katsina United.
While Wikki Tourist and Enugu Rangers played out a 2-2 thriller in Lafia.
The full results from week six fixtures
Plateau United 1-0 El-kanemi Warriors: Monday Gideon scored the decisive goal to move his side to 6 points.
Bendel Insurance 1-1 Bayelsa United: Kayode Oke opened for Insurance, Jawad Mustapha equalised for Bayelsa.
Shooting Stars 2-1 Warri Wolves: Late goals from Qamar Adegoke and Adams Mustapha sealed the win.
Barau FC 3-1 Kun Khalifat: Ebuka Nwokorie and a brace from Yahaya Ibrahim ensured the first win for Barau.
Nasarawa United 2-0 Katsina United: Anas Yusuf and Abubakar Abdullahi netted to maintain the leaders’ momentum.
Wikki Tourist 2-2 Enugu Rangers: Godwin Obaje’s brace rescued Rangers from defeat after trailing twice.
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