NNL: Ikorodu Utd, Remo Stars share the spoils in Lagos
Balogun Sodiq scored his first Bet9ja Nigeria National League goal for Remo Stars Football Club (RSFC) as Osho Fatai’s charges were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against host, Ikorodu United at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere this evening.
Abdullahi Fatai looked to have given his side an edge in the game after slotting in a spot kick in the thirty second (32nd) minute after the center referee noticed a hand ball inside the visitor’s box, but the Sky Blue Stars defender, Balogun Sodiq silenced the Oga Boys with a good header to level up for his side.
The Sky Blue Stars had a chance to go ahead in the early minutes of the game after Oguwche Mathias received a through pass, he tried to find his way to get a goal pass a rushing Fatunwase Oluwasegun but he was very unlucky not to convert.
The host continued to move the ball from left to right, although their buildup play proved far too slow as Remo Stars’ compact midfield stifled any sense of creativity in Ikorodu United ranks.
The vital breakthrough came for the host after the center referee adjourned a defender to have handled the box inside the box and Abdullahi Fatai scored from the spot.
With Remo Stars seemingly happy to promote a war of attrition, Ikorodu United continued to flounder going forward in the early stages of the second period, although they made significant attempts to increase the tempo of their approach play.
The visitors had the best part of the second half to find a response, and it looked like they would be unable to produce the necessary quality, Ogwuche Mathias continued decently, he sent a ball towards the back-post that somehow crept over Fatunwase Oluwasegun and into the far corner.
Finally, the Sky Blue Stars levelled up from a well taken free kick by Akinbode Ibrahim and Balogun Sodiq rose above his markers to head in for the visitors.
The home side got a clear chance to get a late winner after Moshood Kabiru sent a cross in but nobody was close to put the ball at the back of the net for the Oga Boys.
The fluke proved to be the final statement from Ikorodu United, who were somehow able to manage a point in front of their fans and the point for Remo Stars FC ensured they return to the top of the log.
