By Kayode John
Ikorodu City recorded their first win of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season on Saturday, beating Bendel Insurance 3-0 in Lagos.
Also, Sunshine Stars inflicted the second defeat of the league season on champions Enugu Rangers with a 1-0 victory in Akure.
Ikorodu City are enduring a rough start to their first-ever campaign in the Nigerian top flight, with four defeats in their first five matches.
The precarious situation forced the exit of coach Bright Ozebagbe, who had led them to promotion from the Nigeria National League (NNL) last season.
But they put three goals past Insurance in the first game of post-Ozebagbe era on Saturday, with Rivio Ayemwere scoring the opening goal in the 48th minute at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
Kelechi Onwe doubled their lead seven minutes later and completed his brace in the 73rd minute, as they completely outclassed their opponent.
The result moves Ikorodu City up to 17th in the table, although their position could change quickly on Sunday as eight matches will take place.
Sunshine returned to winning ways after their 2-0 defeat to Kano Pillars last weekend, courtesy of Ahmed Musa’s brilliance.
A 44th minute strike by Stephen Chukwude at the Dipo Dina Stadium was enough to end Rangers’ quest for a third win in three matches. The visitors had gone into the clash on the back of victories in their rescheduled Week 3 fixture against Bayelsa United and in the Oriental derby against Abia Warriors last week.
Kennedy Boboye’s team moved up to fourth in the table following the victory.
