Ikorodu City FC on Wednesday secured Southwest derby supremacy with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Shooting Stars Sports Club in NPFL Match Day 23.
The encounter was played at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, with a lively crowd witnessing an intense and closely contested fixture.
Joseph Arumala proved decisive, scoring in the second minute to hand the Oga Boys an early advantage they protected resolutely.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Arumala capitalised on a rebound after Shooting Stars goalkeeper Mustapha parried Tosin Oyedokun’s initial shot.
Arumala reacted quickest, rifling the loose ball into the roof of the net before the Ibadan defence could recover.
The match carried emotional undertones, with former Ikorodu City Sporting Director, Tobi Adepoju, returning in Shooting Stars colours.
Also facing his former club was ex-Ikorodu City Technical Adviser Nurudeen Aweroro, now leading the Shooting Stars technical crew.
In spite of warm applause for the returning officials, sentiment gave way to competition as Ikorodu City remained focused on securing victory.
Shooting Stars pushed for an equaliser, creating half-chances, but were repeatedly frustrated by Ikorodu City’s disciplined defensive organisation.
Ikorodu City also threatened on the break, yet failed to extend their lead in spite of enjoying spells of attacking pressure.
Speaking after the match, Arumala said scoring against his former coach carried no special emotions.
“There is no special feeling scoring against Coach Aweroro. He is a well-respected coach.
“He almost took us to the continent last season, but this is football and we must always do our job.
“I wanted to score today. We wanted more goals, but the win is what truly matters,” he said.
