NPFL Matchday 10: Ikorodu City Fight Back Against Shooting Stars as Kun Khalifat Beat Inter Lagos
Ikorodu City staged a dramatic second-half fightback to draw 2-2 with Shooting Stars in the Southwest derby, while Kun Khalifat FC secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Inter Lagos on a busy NPFL Matchday 10 weekend.
The two matches produced contrasting fortunes for the four Southwest clubs, with Ikorodu City maintaining their unbeaten record against Shooting Stars, 3SC finally picking up an away point, and Kun Khalifat moving out of the relegation zone.
Ikorodu City 2-2 Shooting Stars
At the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Ikorodu City recovered from a two-goal deficit to force a 2-2 draw against Shooting Stars in an entertaining Southwest derby.
The result preserved Ikorodu City’s unbeaten record against their regional rivals, while Shooting Stars secured their first away point of the season after losing their previous four matches on the road.
The match also came against the backdrop of international recognition for Ikorodu City, with four of their players — goalkeeper Michael Atata, Aderemi Adeoye, Freedom Marvellous and Junior Ikechukwu — called up to the Nigeria U-23 squad earlier in the week.
Ikorodu City head coach Bright Ozebagbe was also named as part of the U-23 contingent.
The invited players featured in the starting lineup as the Oga Boys looked to extend their unbeaten record against Shooting Stars.
Shooting Stars coach Salisu Yusuf largely retained the team that defeated Ranchers Bees 3-1 on Matchday 9, making one change as Taheer replaced Ridwan.
Shooting Stars strike early
Shooting Stars stunned the home crowd in the third minute when Otaniyi opened the scoring.
His celebration carried an emotional message as he lifted his jersey to reveal the words: “I will forever remember you, mum.”
The early goal unsettled the hosts and prompted Ozebagbe to make changes before half-time.
In the 32nd minute, Akorede Adeoye and Tomiwa Awojobi were introduced for Umar Dan’azumi and Abayomi Ayodeji.
The changes initially appeared unlikely to make a difference as Shooting Stars continued to threaten.
In the 38th minute, Taheer came close to doubling the advantage, but his effort struck the post.
That miss proved significant.
Three minutes before the break, Donald Obiajulu pulled one back for Ikorodu City after a well-worked move involving substitute Akorede Adeoye.
The hosts then struck the crossbar in the 45th minute as they finished the first half with renewed momentum.
Obiajulu completes Ikorodu City comeback
The second half produced an open contest, with both teams pushing for the winning goal.
Ikorodu City were denied by the woodwork again in the 72nd minute, keeping Shooting Stars’ lead intact.
But the hosts refused to give up.
With three minutes remaining, captain Ujunwa Elijah produced excellent work down the flank before setting up Obiajulu, who completed his brace to make it 2-2 in the 87th minute.
The late equaliser ensured the points were shared.
Obiajulu was named Man of the Match after his two-goal performance.
Shooting Stars finally get an away point
For Shooting Stars, the draw ended a run of four consecutive away defeats and gave them their first point on the road this season.
For Ikorodu City, the result extended their unbeaten record against Shooting Stars while denying the visitors what would have been their first away victory of the campaign.
Kun Khalifat 1-0 Inter Lagos
In Owerri, Kun Khalifat FC secured a crucial 1-0 home victory over Inter Lagos at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.
The Matchday 10 encounter was a battle between two teams needing points for very different reasons.
Kun Khalifat had collected nine points from their opening nine matches before the game. Their campaign had included impressive wins over Shooting Stars and Kwara United, but also heavy defeats, including a 5-0 loss to Rivers United.
Consistency had remained their major concern.
Inter Lagos arrived in Owerri at the bottom of the table with only two points from nine matches and without an away win.
The Lagos club had also lost 3-1 to Warri Wolves in their previous away fixture.
Tight first half in Owerri
The opening 45 minutes reflected the pressure on both teams.
Kun Khalifat controlled more of the possession on home soil, while Inter Lagos defended deep and looked for opportunities on the counter-attack.
Both sides created half-chances but struggled to produce the decisive finish.
Kun Khalifat were let down by their final ball, while Inter Lagos lacked a cutting edge in the final third.
The visitors had scored only five goals before the match, highlighting one of the problems that has affected their campaign.
Neither side could break the deadlock before half-time.
Benjamin delivers decisive goal
The match remained tight after the restart until the 69th minute.
Kun Khalifat finally converted their pressure when Benjamin found the breakthrough to put the hosts 1-0 ahead.
Inter Lagos responded by pushing players forward and introducing fresh attacking options in search of an equaliser.
Kun Khalifat, however, remained disciplined defensively and protected their advantage until the final whistle.
It was not a game decided by a large number of chances. Instead, Kun Khalifat made their key opportunity count and then defended their lead effectively.
Kun Khalifat climb out of relegation zone
The victory moves Kun Khalifat to 12 points from 10 matches, lifting them to 16th position and out of the relegation zone.
It was also their second consecutive home victory following their win over Shooting Stars.
Their record now stands at three wins, three draws and four defeats.
For Inter Lagos, the defeat leaves them with one win, two draws and seven losses from 10 matches.
They remain bottom of the table with five points, having scored only five goals, and the pressure on the team’s technical set-up is likely to increase as their difficult campaign continues.
Southwest clubs produce contrasting results
Matchday 10 provided mixed fortunes for the Southwest sides.
Ikorodu City showed resilience to recover from two goals down against Shooting Stars, while 3SC claimed their first away point of the season despite surrendering a late lead.
In Owerri, Kun Khalifat took advantage of home conditions to claim three important points and move out of the relegation zone.
With the NPFL season continuing to take shape, the results underline how quickly the table can change — and how valuable every point can become, particularly for clubs battling at the bottom.
Ayobami Olulode
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