In one of the biggest results of the NPFL week 26, Ikorodu City FC delivered a statement victory on Sunday evening by defeating nine-time champions Enyimba International FC inside their intimidating Aba fortress.
The hard-fought 1–0 triumph was secured by an outstanding strike from Joseph Arumala in the first half, a moment of individual brilliance that ultimately decided a tense Matchday 26 encounter and propelled the Lagos-based side to the top of the league standings.
Bright start and early chances
The match began with both teams showing caution while probing for weaknesses. Enyimba tried to impose themselves early, pushing forward through Kalu Nweke, whose long-range effort in the 20th minute sailed just wide after a failed follow-up attempt from Wonah Williams.
Ikorodu City gradually grew into the contest and nearly struck in the 12th minute when Chidera tested the home goalkeeper, who produced a solid save to keep the scores level.
As the half progressed, Enyimba threatened again when Wonah Williams was played through by Nweke in the 26th minute, but his attempt missed the target, a costly miss that would soon haunt the hosts.
Arumala delivers decisive moment
The breakthrough came in the 29th minute, and it was nothing short of spectacular.
Joseph Arumala intercepted possession in midfield, surged forward with confidence, outpaced his marker, and unleashed a precise strike into the top corner. The stunning goal silenced the Aba crowd and handed Ikorodu City a priceless advantage.
Enyimba responded by making tactical substitutions before halftime, introducing Samuel Okechukwu and Obichere Odinaka in an attempt to regain control. Despite increased pressure, the visitors maintained their defensive discipline to head into the break with a slender lead.
Second-half pressure from Enyimba
The home side returned from halftime determined to equalize, making further changes as Eddidiong Ezekiel and Paul Odeh joined the fray.
Ikorodu City also made adjustments, handing Ibrahim Abdulquadri his club debut early in the second half, while additional substitutions later saw King Light and Tomiwa Awojobi enter the match.
Enyimba created their best opportunity in the 63rd minute when Samuel Okechukwu forced a brilliant save from the Ikorodu City goalkeeper. Moments later, Arumala nearly doubled the lead after beating his defender for pace, but his shot went narrowly wide.
Late drama and missed chances
The final stages produced intense drama.
Arumala again came close in the 80th minute, striking a powerful effort that the Enyimba goalkeeper tipped onto the crossbar. It would have sealed the game for the visitors.
In stoppage time, substitute Tomisin Adebayo thought he had secured a second goal after rounding the goalkeeper, but his attempt was blocked on the line, ensuring a nervy finish before the final whistle confirmed Ikorodu City’s famous victory.
Title race takes new shape
The result lifts Ikorodu City to first place on the NPFL table with 44 points from 26 matches.
Close behind are Rangers International FC, who moved into second position with 43 points after defeating Wikki Tourist at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
Rivers United FC remain third with 41 points and have 5 games in hand, setting up a compelling title race in the coming weeks.
NPFL Matchday 26 results
Barau FC 1 Kun Khalifa 0
El Kanemi Warriors 1 Plateau United 0
Bayelsa United 0 Bendel Insurance 0
Enyimba 0 Ikorodu City 1
Katsina United 1 Nasarawa United 0
Kwara United 1 Kano Pillars 1
Rangers International 2 Wikki Tourist 0
Remo Stars 1 Abia Warriors 1
Shooting Stars 4 Warri Wolves 2
