The Ijebu Ode centre rendered a stunning classic bout as Ikorodu City Football Academy triumphed over Lekki United with an astonishing 1-0 victory during a Nationwide League One playoff on Saturday afternoon.
In a fixture that saw the winners of Legacy Pitch 1 and Maracana Pitch 2 face off, expectations were high, but chances were few and far between in a tightly contested match. Both teams struggled to find a breakthrough throughout regular time, and it seemed destined to end in a goalless draw.
The dramatic win came at a time spectators had ruled in a deadlock, but Musa Malik altered the ruling with a precise and accurate shot that sent the goal net quaking.
The team secured a free kick in the third minute of added time, 12 metres from Lekki United’s box. Just then, Malik proved himself a fate twister as he stepped up and converted the free kick into a goal, sealing three points for the club.
The victory saw Ikorodu City second on the group standings, behind Magic Stars FC, who earlier defeated Franceex United 2-1 in the day’s opening game.
The combat is getting fiercer with unpredictable outcomes, and tomorrow’s fixtures will shape the promotional battle. Ikorodu City is set to face off against current group leaders Magic Stars FC in what promises to be a clash of titans.
All the losers – Lekki United and Franceex United, who conceded defeat in today’s games, will face each other in the hope of widening chances of finishing strong with a crown.
As the competition nears a crucial stage with higher stakes, every step and moment counts
