2024 President Federation Cup: How 10-Man Inter Lagos Defeated Ikorodu City - Gabriel Ezema

2024 President Federation Cup: How 10-Man Inter Lagos Defeated Ikorodu City - Gabriel Ezema

Precious Oham

Head Coach of Inter Lagos, Gabriel Ezema has revealed what his team did differently to beat Ikorodu City in the 2024 President Federation Cup Round of 16 after going a man down, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

The Nigeria National League, NNL, campaigners got the better of their city rivals 5-4 on penalties after it ended one apiece in regulation time with a man disadvantaged.

Ikorodu City had the numerical advantage as early as the 3rd minute when Ayomide Cole, who was clean through on goal was brought down by an Inter Lagos defender at the edge of the box and was given the marching order. 

The Oga Boys took the lead via Ayomide Cole in the 19th minute before Tony Obia scored the equaliser for Inter Lagos with a sumptuous effort in the 70th minute. 

Inter Lagos, under the tutelage of Ezema, won 5-4 during the penalty shootout to advance to the last eight of the competition.

In his post-match reactions, Ezema said: "It means a lot to us, having won over them and progressed to the next stage of the competition. It didn't matter which opponent it was, we just wanted to win the game. It didn't matter how difficult it was, we just wanted to prove that we wanted to win every game.

"What matters in the team is the mentality. Inter Lagos has this mentality that even if we are 8 men, we can win the game. The mentality is very strong. They were very positive. They were working extra because they knew that they had a numerical disadvantage.

"They needed to stay in the game even they conceded, I kept telling them to stay in the game that we will score and when we score, the opponent will be under pressure. 

"You could see that when we scored, there was a chance to score a winning goal even though that didn't happen. We have to manage the game to penalties because we know that's an advantage for us. We know we have a goalkeeper that can do that. It boils down to mentality which is the foundation of any successful club. 

"We are underdogs. This team is just 8 months old. Many people still don't know about Inter Lagos. We just want to take every game as it comes, prepare for it very well and give all the fight that we can. Putting good mentality, putting quality coaching, good performance and who says we can't be champions."

Inter Lagos will now face fellow NNL side, El-Kanemi Warriors in the last eight of the competition.