Ikorodu City delivered a stunning 2-0 win over league leaders Nasarawa United, putting an end to their five straight wins and seven-game unbeaten run and also shaking up the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title race on matchday nine.
Chidera Oparaocha and Joseph Arumala scored the goals that stunned the Solid Miners, handing the home side a historic victory and propelling Ikorodu City up the league table.
Ikorodu City dominate Nasarawa United in commanding display
The game started with intensity, and Ikorodu City struck early with Chidera Oparaocha’s 14th-minute opener.
Nasarawa United, the table-toppers, struggled to assert themselves and were repeatedly frustrated by Ikorodu’s organised defence.
Joseph Arumala sealed the victory in the 68th minute with a composed finish, completing the home side’s dominant performance.
Nasarawa United failed to find a way past Ikorodu’s resolute backline, leaving the Solid Miners stunned and their unbeaten run broken.
NPFL week 9 shocks and standout results
Enyimba 1-2 Warri Wolves: Warri Wolves came from behind after an own goal by Mohammed Hussaini to snatch all three points.
Niger Tornadoes 4-0 Plateau United: Abdulaziz Dalhatu scored a hat-trick as Tornadoes ran riot.
Shooting Stars 2-0 Abia Warriors: Ayobami Junior and Qamar Adegoke secured a strong home victory.
Barau FC 2-1 Kano Pillars: A historic derby comeback saw Barau FC claim three points.
Kun Khalifat 2-1 Bayelsa United: Michael Akano’s late goal handed the visitors a win.
El Kanemi Warriors 2-1 Wikki Tourist: Jonas Emmanuel and Sama’ila Bello’s early strikes were enough to hold off a late comeback.
Kwara United 1-0 Katsina United: Yahaya Ibrahim’s stoppage-time goal secured the win.
Postponed matches included Remo Stars vs Enugu Rangers and Bendel Insurance vs Rivers United, both affected by CAF Champions League fixtures.
Star performers
Chidera Oparaocha (Ikorodu City): Opened the scoring and set the tone for a historic win.
Joseph Arumala (Ikorodu City): Sealed the victory with a clinical second goal.
Abdulaziz Dalhatu (Niger Tornadoes): Hat-trick hero in a dominant 4-0 win.
The shocking result sees Ikorodu City rise in the table to 5th place with 14 points, while Nasarawa United’s lead narrows, leaving the top four tightly contested.
Shooting Stars and Abia Warriors follow closely on 15 points, with Niger Tornadoes at 14 points.
At the bottom, Plateau United, Barau FC, Bendel Insurance, and Kano Pillars remain in the relegation fight.
Nasarawa Utd head coach Mbwas Mangut speaking after loss at Ikorodu City:
“We started poorly, but we got into the game in the second half when we made some changes. Unfortunately we couldn’t convert our chances. Like I always say, the league is a marathon.”
Ikorodu City, who are unbeaten in their last four games with two straight draws and two consecutive wins, will look to build on this remarkable form in their next fixture against Kun Khalifat as they aim to climb further up the NPFL standings.
And as for Nasarawa United, they will now find a way to regroup quickly as the title race intensifies, with every remaining fixture critical in their bid to reclaim top spot.
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