The much-anticipated Nigeria Premier Football League Southwest derby between newly promoted Ikorodu City and two-time runners-up Remo Stars ended in a dramatic 1-1 draw at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Sunday.
Striker, Chinonso Chineme salvaged a crucial point for Ikorodu City with a stoppage-time header, canceling out Ibrahim Shuaib’s first-half strike for Remo Stars.
The match began with intensity, thrilling fans under the Lagos lights. Remo Stars struck early in the eighth minute when Ibrahim Shuaib capitalized on a quick throw-in from Ibrahim Abubakar to put the visitors ahead.
Ikorodu City pressed hard for an equalizer, but Remo’s goalkeeper, Adebiyi Obassa, delivered a stellar first-half performance, making three critical saves to maintain his side’s lead heading into the break.
In the second half, Ikorodu City continued to pile on the pressure, but Remo nearly doubled their lead when Faisal Sani’s free kick narrowly missed the target.
The game shifted dramatically when Remo Stars were reduced to 10 men before the hour mark, with Ahmed Akinyele receiving a second yellow card.
Ikorodu’s relentless efforts finally paid off in the 90th minute as Chinonso Chineme rose to meet Salau Yusuf’s precise cross, heading in the equalizer and sending the home crowd into raptures.
The draw saw Ikorodu City drop to sixth place in the league standings, while Remo Stars relinquished the top spot to Rivers United.
Rivers United, under coach Finidi George, reclaimed the league lead with a spirited second-half display against Kwara United, securing a two-point advantage at the summit with 32 points from 17 matches.
