Ikorodu City boosted their Nigeria Premier Football League title push with a 1-0 victory over Rivers United at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Monday.
The result lifts Ikorodu City into the top four and cuts the gap on the league leaders, while Rivers United’s struggles continue following consecutive defeats.
The hosts started brightly, dominating early exchanges but failing to convert a number of promising chances. Their momentum was briefly disrupted by a first-half injury substitution, with Taiwo Alao replacing Abayomi Ayodeji.
Ikorodu City made another change at the start of the second half, introducing Folarin Temitope for Dennis Mse, a move that proved decisive.
Moments after coming on, Temitope reacted quickest after an initial effort from Salami Farouk was saved, firing home the rebound to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
Rivers United pushed forward in search of an equaliser but were unable to break down a disciplined Ikorodu City defence, as the home side held firm to secure all three points.
The win extends Ikorodu City’s impressive unbeaten run on home soil and moves them to third place with 48 points from 30 matches , four points behind leaders Rivers United, who have a game in hand.
Ikorodu City next face Kun Khalifat, while Rivers United will look to halt their slide when they travel to take on Niger Tornadoes.
