Ikorodu City FC’s ThankGod Chilaka made history on Saturday, September 28, 2024, by scoring the club’s first-ever goal in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
However, his strike was not enough to secure victory as Nasarawa United edged them 2-1 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
Chilaka, on loan from Nationwide League side Nordic Football Academy, impressed with his performances, and his well-placed header from Waliu Ojeyote’s cross marked a significant milestone for the Lagos-based club.
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“I’m delighted to score Ikorodu City’s first NPFL goal,” Chilaka said in a post-match interview. “But it’s disappointing we didn’t get the win. We’ll keep working hard to turn our season around.”
Despite Chilaka’s efforts, Ikorodu City suffered their fourth consecutive defeat, leaving them winless and rooted to the bottom of the table.
Nasarawa United took the lead just before halftime through Anas Yusuf’s finish.
After Chilaka’s equalizer, Nasarawa United regained the advantage through Kabir Balogun’s brilliant free-kick, securing their first win of the season.
Ikorodu City’s inability to convert chances and close out games has been their downfall. Ayomide Cole and Chilaka both had opportunities to score more, but Nasarawa United’s goalkeeper made crucial saves.
“We created enough chances to win, but we didn’t take them,” Ikorodu City coach, Henry Makinwa, said. “We’ll work on our finishing and look to bounce back against Plateau United.”
The defeat leaves Ikorodu City in a precarious position, seeking their first win in Nigeria’s top division.
Their next match is against Plateau United in Jos, where they will hope to secure their first points and climb out of the danger zone.
“Ikorodu City’s struggles continue, and it’s clear they need to work on converting chances and closing out games,” said football analyst, Tunde Adelakun.
“Chilaka’s goal was a positive, but they must build on that momentum.”
Match Stats
– Ikorodu City FC: ThankGod Chilaka (65′)
– Nasarawa United: Anas Yusuf (45′), Kabir Balogun (75′)
Player Ratings
– ThankGod Chilaka (Ikorodu City): 7.5/10
– Waliu Ojeyote (Ikorodu City): 6.5/10
– Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United): 7/10
– Kabir Balogun (Nasarawa United): 7.5/10