Betting Tips
NPFL Sunday: A Day Out to Watch Ikorodu City FC
by Astorre Cerebrone
23 Nov 2024
There are few better ways to spend your Sunday afternoons than a day out at Onikan stadium to watch Ikorodu City play. Drama, excitement, beautiful football and most of all, an unforgettable experience are some of the things constantly on show.
Last Sunday, I ventured out to experience an Ikorodu City Nigeria Professional Football League game alongside thousands of excited fans and here’s how that went.
Prematch Context
The hosts came into the game with an impressive record of 3 wins in their previous 4 games and 3 straight wins at home.
Every story has an antagonist and last week’s opponent was a regional rival from Ibadan: Shooting Stars (3SC). Pregame, it looked to be a more straightforward game than usual - the visitors had failed to win an away game in the 2024/2025 season, losing 4 games on the bounce without scoring just one goal.
Despite being a newly promoted side facing a more illustrious rival, Ikorodu City was favoured by us and other bookies to win the game. If anybody expected an easy game though, they clearly didn’t know the NPFL. There simply are no easy games in this league, no matter what the form book says. Every game is war.
In the hour before kick-off, eager fans dressed in their club colours poured in and cheered enthusiastically as the teams warmed up.
The First Half
The home team came out guns blazing, trying to unsettle their guests and register an early goal.
That early energy quickly faded, however, as Shooting Stars smartly killed the momentum before going on to take the lead in the 15th minute through Anthony Okachi – only their second away goal this season, their first in 5 away games. It was a brilliant, well executed counter attack that silenced the Ikorodu City fans for a few minutes before they found their voices again, convinced that their team would make a comeback. They sang and cheered, urging their team on in the quest for an equaliser. The rest of the half, however, produced few chances as 3SC maintained a compact structure while retaining a counter attacking threat the home team had to be wary of.
Despite dominating possession, Ikorodu FC struggled to make it count, with their feeble attempts prompting groans from a few frustrated fans. Eventually, the halftime whistle was blown with the score still 0-1.
Halftime Show
The halftime show brought 15 minutes of non-stop excitement with the best betting site in Nigeria, as we gave several lucky fans a chance to win exciting prizes through fun games and trivia.
The home crowd was so engrossed in the activities that they must have forgotten that their team was trailing by a goal as the second half loomed.
By the end of the break, some fans returned to their seats beaming with joy, clutching their prizes and already looking forward to the next home game for another shot at winning. Others were spotted browsing the BetKing website, eager to book a bet with their favourite bookie. Whether in the stadium or online, there’s no better chance to win than with BetKing!
Second Half
Discerning fans who have followed Ikorodu FC games this season knew that the second half would look completely different from the second half, and so it proved.
In the previous game against Katsina United, they’d come from a goal down to win late on. And once again, the team fondly called Oga Boys turned the heat up on their opponents.
Ikorodu City manager, Nurudeen Aweroro’s proactiveness made all the difference, as the three changes he made during the break quickly took effect. Many other coaches prefer to wait it out, but not coach Aweroro. A fearless manager who has overturned the fortunes of Ikorodu City since taking the reins, this was him at his best.
The home side played with more purpose and fire the moment the second half kicked off, driving up the intensity and constantly forcing their opponents into increasingly desperate moments.
When the equaliser eventually came, It was from a chaotic goalmouth scramble as Shola Adelani bundled the ball over the line, showing great determination to get his team the munch-needed goal. Game on, and the fans went wild!
The game had completely changed and everyone in the stadium prepared to celebrate the winning goal. The 3SC game plan seemed to be to remain compact, soak up the pressure and be content with a point or a stolen win.
The home side had other ideas, however as they relentlessly besieged the 3SC goal in a desperate hunt for a winner. Their finishing mostly let them down, with most attempts failing to even hit the target, despite doing everything else right leading up to the shot. Chance after chance went begging and it was starting to look like this would not be another victory for them. Still, they kept going and the fans kept believing.
When the winning goal finally came, it was a thing of beauty. Brilliant play by Austin Uzondu down the left led to a sumptuous cross into the area, where supersub, Rivio Ayemwenre had all the time in the world to pick his spot and score his fourth goal in as many games.
In the end, there was nothing 3SC could do to change the score as Oga Boys closed out the game expertly to claim a third consecutive victory. The win wasn’t a fluke either; they had 58% possession, and outshot their opponents 15-10 with 4 shots on target compared to their opponent’s 2.
A reversal of fortunes
Ikorodu City now sits 8th on the standings, 3 points off third and 6 points off table toppers, Remo Stars. After propping up the table just over a month ago, Ikorodu City are now firmly in contention for a continental spot after 5 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat in their last 7 games. Perhaps, it is too early to expect them to sustain this form enough to actually get it, but it is commendable how they have gotten themselves here.
A month ago, not many would have predicted this reversal in fortunes. However, we did and we’re confident that Ikorodu City can stay up this season.
Next Game
Ikorodu City will get a chance to extend their winning streak when they face Niger Tornadoes at the Bako Kontagora Stadium on Saturday. With both locked on 17 points, this should be an even game that will be decided on individual moments of brilliance.
If Ikorodu City have learned anything from their recent purple patch, it’s that they belong in the Nigerian Professional Football League and they have nothing to fear from any NPFL side after their recent run.
Betting Tips
Niger Tornadoes are one of the worst home teams in the NPFL this season, garnering just 9 points from 6 games. Only 2 teams have a worse home record so far.
Online sports betting enthusiasts that love home win predictions usually avoid them for this reason. In fact, it is on the road that they have made up for the dropped points at home, boasting the 2nd best away record so far. The most obvious bet prediction here is a draw, but of course, it’s football and anything can happen. There are no sure odds, which is why nobody can boast of being perfect with any football prediction.
Bet of the Day: Fortune rewards the brave. Lean into that and back Ikorodu City to get their fourth straight win. It’s a possibility, considering their form and how poor Niger Tornadoes have been at home.
Take risk and succeed. Bet on Ikorodu City to win against Niger Tornadoes @ a staggering 7.60 odds!
If you don’t already have an account, sign up now and start winning when you bet on our exciting NPFL markets!
There are few better ways to spend your Sunday afternoons than a day out at Onikan stadium to watch Ikorodu City play. Drama, excitement, beautiful football and most of all, an unforgettable experience are some of the things constantly on show.
Last Sunday, I ventured out to experience an Ikorodu City Nigeria Professional Football League game alongside thousands of excited fans and here’s how that went.
Prematch Context
The hosts came into the game with an impressive record of 3 wins in their previous 4 games and 3 straight wins at home.
Every story has an antagonist and last week’s opponent was a regional rival from Ibadan: Shooting Stars (3SC). Pregame, it looked to be a more straightforward game than usual - the visitors had failed to win an away game in the 2024/2025 season, losing 4 games on the bounce without scoring just one goal.
Despite being a newly promoted side facing a more illustrious rival, Ikorodu City was favoured by us and other bookies to win the game. If anybody expected an easy game though, they clearly didn’t know the NPFL. There simply are no easy games in this league, no matter what the form book says. Every game is war.
In the hour before kick-off, eager fans dressed in their club colours poured in and cheered enthusiastically as the teams warmed up.
The First Half
The home team came out guns blazing, trying to unsettle their guests and register an early goal.
That early energy quickly faded, however, as Shooting Stars smartly killed the momentum before going on to take the lead in the 15th minute through Anthony Okachi – only their second away goal this season, their first in 5 away games. It was a brilliant, well executed counter attack that silenced the Ikorodu City fans for a few minutes before they found their voices again, convinced that their team would make a comeback. They sang and cheered, urging their team on in the quest for an equaliser. The rest of the half, however, produced few chances as 3SC maintained a compact structure while retaining a counter attacking threat the home team had to be wary of.
Despite dominating possession, Ikorodu FC struggled to make it count, with their feeble attempts prompting groans from a few frustrated fans. Eventually, the halftime whistle was blown with the score still 0-1.
Halftime Show
The halftime show brought 15 minutes of non-stop excitement with the best betting site in Nigeria, as we gave several lucky fans a chance to win exciting prizes through fun games and trivia.
The home crowd was so engrossed in the activities that they must have forgotten that their team was trailing by a goal as the second half loomed.
By the end of the break, some fans returned to their seats beaming with joy, clutching their prizes and already looking forward to the next home game for another shot at winning. Others were spotted browsing the BetKing website, eager to book a bet with their favourite bookie. Whether in the stadium or online, there’s no better chance to win than with BetKing!
Second Half
Discerning fans who have followed Ikorodu FC games this season knew that the second half would look completely different from the second half, and so it proved.
In the previous game against Katsina United, they’d come from a goal down to win late on. And once again, the team fondly called Oga Boys turned the heat up on their opponents.
Ikorodu City manager, Nurudeen Aweroro’s proactiveness made all the difference, as the three changes he made during the break quickly took effect. Many other coaches prefer to wait it out, but not coach Aweroro. A fearless manager who has overturned the fortunes of Ikorodu City since taking the reins, this was him at his best.
The home side played with more purpose and fire the moment the second half kicked off, driving up the intensity and constantly forcing their opponents into increasingly desperate moments.
When the equaliser eventually came, It was from a chaotic goalmouth scramble as Shola Adelani bundled the ball over the line, showing great determination to get his team the munch-needed goal. Game on, and the fans went wild!
The game had completely changed and everyone in the stadium prepared to celebrate the winning goal. The 3SC game plan seemed to be to remain compact, soak up the pressure and be content with a point or a stolen win.
The home side had other ideas, however as they relentlessly besieged the 3SC goal in a desperate hunt for a winner. Their finishing mostly let them down, with most attempts failing to even hit the target, despite doing everything else right leading up to the shot. Chance after chance went begging and it was starting to look like this would not be another victory for them. Still, they kept going and the fans kept believing.
When the winning goal finally came, it was a thing of beauty. Brilliant play by Austin Uzondu down the left led to a sumptuous cross into the area, where supersub, Rivio Ayemwenre had all the time in the world to pick his spot and score his fourth goal in as many games.
In the end, there was nothing 3SC could do to change the score as Oga Boys closed out the game expertly to claim a third consecutive victory. The win wasn’t a fluke either; they had 58% possession, and outshot their opponents 15-10 with 4 shots on target compared to their opponent’s 2.
A reversal of fortunes
Ikorodu City now sits 8th on the standings, 3 points off third and 6 points off table toppers, Remo Stars. After propping up the table just over a month ago, Ikorodu City are now firmly in contention for a continental spot after 5 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat in their last 7 games. Perhaps, it is too early to expect them to sustain this form enough to actually get it, but it is commendable how they have gotten themselves here.
A month ago, not many would have predicted this reversal in fortunes. However, we did and we’re confident that Ikorodu City can stay up this season.
Next Game
Ikorodu City will get a chance to extend their winning streak when they face Niger Tornadoes at the Bako Kontagora Stadium on Saturday. With both locked on 17 points, this should be an even game that will be decided on individual moments of brilliance.
If Ikorodu City have learned anything from their recent purple patch, it’s that they belong in the Nigerian Professional Football League and they have nothing to fear from any NPFL side after their recent run.
Betting Tips
Niger Tornadoes are one of the worst home teams in the NPFL this season, garnering just 9 points from 6 games. Only 2 teams have a worse home record so far.
Online sports betting enthusiasts that love home win predictions usually avoid them for this reason. In fact, it is on the road that they have made up for the dropped points at home, boasting the 2nd best away record so far. The most obvious bet prediction here is a draw, but of course, it’s football and anything can happen. There are no sure odds, which is why nobody can boast of being perfect with any football prediction.
Bet of the Day: Fortune rewards the brave. Lean into that and back Ikorodu City to get their fourth straight win. It’s a possibility, considering their form and how poor Niger Tornadoes have been at home.
Take risk and succeed. Bet on Ikorodu City to win against Niger Tornadoes @ a staggering 7.60 odds!
If you don’t already have an account, sign up now and start winning when you bet on our exciting NPFL markets!