ENYIMBA 0-1 IKORODU CITY
(Arumala 29’)
By Our African Football Correspondent
THE “People’s Elephant” was left searching for answers in their own backyard yesterday as a clinical Ikorodu City pulled off the shock of the season. In a result that has sent shockwaves from Lagos to London, the nine-time NPFL champions Enyimba were humbled 1-0 in a high-stakes encounter at the Enyimba International Stadium.
While Enyimba boasted the pedigree, it was the “Oga Boys” from Lagos who showed the heart of champions.
The decisive moment came in the 29th minute, and it was a goal worthy of any highlight reel.
THE STAR MAN: JOSEPH ARUMALA
In a match teeming with talent, Joseph Arumala shone the brightest. The clinical forward proved why he is the name on every scout’s lips, ghosting into the box to fire home a strike that left the Enyimba goalkeeper stranded. It wasn’t just the goal; Arumala’s relentless work rate and hold-up play gave the veteran Enyimba defense nightmares all afternoon.
THE WALL OF LAGOS
If Arumala provided the spark, it was Ikorodu’s defensive unit that provided the steel.
Faced with a late-game siege by the Aba giants, goalkeeper Michael Atata stood tall, pulling off a string of acrobatic saves to preserve his clean sheet.
Beside him, the Ikorodu backline—led by the disciplined Harrison Austin—formed a human wall that the Enyimba strikers simply could not breach.
For Enyimba, it was a day to forget.
Despite the tactical tinkering of the coaching staff and the individual brilliance of stars like Chiamaka Madu in the middle of the park, the final ball was consistently lacking. Every time the hosts looked to have found a gap, a yellow shirt was there to shut the door.
This wasn’t just a three-point haul; it was a statement.
With this victory, Ikorodu City haven’t just beaten a champion—they’ve signaled their intent to become one. For Enyimba, the road back to the summit just got a whole lot steeper.
As the sun sets over Aba, the party is just starting in Ikorodu.
