Sport

NPFL: Musa scores last-gasp winner for Pillars as Ikorodu end Rivers unbeaten run

November 3, 2024 10:10 pm

Ahmed Musa has score four league goals for Kano Pillars this season

Ikorodu City FC scored twice in the second half to hand Rivers United a shock 2-0 defeat in their Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) encounter at the Mobolaji Johson Arena on Sunday.

The defeat was Rivers United’s first of the season, and the team also failed to win in consecutive matches for the first time this season.

Ayomide Cole and Rivio Ayemwenre, two of three halftime substitutes, were the goalscorers for a rejuvenated Ikorodu City. The Lagos club have won three of their last five matches since losing four of five opening matches of the season.

Led by interim coach Nurudeen Aweroro, the Oga Boys waited until three minutes into the second half to punish River United, Cole tapped in Ojetoro Waliu’s cross to made an instant impact with his first goal of the season.

One became two when Ayemwenre expertly finished off Ajeyigbe Toyeeb’s lay-off to seal all three points for the Ikorodu-based club. Victory sees the home side move up to 17th position with 11 points from 10 matches, while Rivers United are joint-top with Remo Stars, who defeated Lobi Stars to move up 21 points.

In Kano, Ahmed Musa scored a 92nd-minute winner to hand Kano Pillars a 2-1 victory over Plateau United and all three points. The home side had to come from a goal down and were able to overturn the deficit thanks to their legendary veterans, with Rabiu Ali first drawing the side level with a superb free-kick before Musa sent the crowd into jubilation mode.

In other matches, El Kanemi won 1-0 at home to Katsina United to remain the only unbeaten team in the NPFL. Bendel Insurance responded to a home loss last round with a 2-1 win away to Sunshine Stars. Emmanuel Amuneke’s Heartland FC made it consecutive wins with a 2-0 victory away to Abia Warriors in the oriental derby.

RESULTS