Resurgent Bayelsa United Halt Ikorodu City Unbeaten Run

 Resurgent Bayelsa United Halt Ikorodu City Unbeaten Run

By Admin

Rabiu Abdullahi's 79th minute goal gave host Bayelsa United a 1-0 victory over visitors Ikorodu City of Lagos in a matchday sixteen encounter of the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL decided at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.

Technical adviser of Bayelsa United, Ladan Bosso stuck with same team that defeated Niger Tornadoes in a matchday fourteen with Ogundare Arise in defence alongside Gabriel Biriduba, Issa Yusuf and experienced left back Hassan Oladimeji.

Rabiu Abdullahi put the Prosperity Boys ahead on 79 minute from Gabriel Biriduba's long ball as he capitalized on the visitors' defensive blunder to break Ikorodu City resistance with the host completely showing dominance in the fixture.

Emo James on 41 minute almost gave the former Aiteo Cup champions the lead from Issa Yusuf's beautiful cross but was saved by Ikorodu City goalkeeper, James Faith who on two occasions was tested by Rabiu Abdullahi and Wisdom Magbia.

Forward Rabiu Abdullahi on 89 minute almost made 2-0 from Ibrahim Yahaya's rebounded effort but the celebration of the home fans was abbreviated by the centre referee for offside. Substitute Okardi immediately responded in an exhilarating fashion when he picked Yahaya's ball and ran past the Ikorodu City defence line but went wide in what could be described as the best chance of the encounter.

The visitors just before the final had the opportunity to restore parity as Ayemenre Rivio's effort was saved by Bayelsa United goaltender, Godgift Elkanah ensuring that they return to their base empty handed having enjoyed series of victories in the NPFL since Nurudeen Aweroro took charge.

The Prosperity Boys will next face Akwa United on Sunday at the Samson Siasia Stadium before traveling to Ikenne to battle Remo Stars in a matchday eighteen fixture of the NPFL.

Bayelsa United gaffer in his post match reaction, hailed the resilience of the lads despite the sloppy first half, stating that the team would consolidate on the achievement recorded in the last three games.

Ikorodu City coach, Nurudeen Aweroro, said his side gave their best despite the dropped points, attributing his team's recent results to hard work. Before the loss, the Oga boys were on six match unbeaten record.