Ikorodu City deny Remo Stars a win as they shared the spoils in a thrilling Nigeria Premier Football League Southwest derby, with the newly promoted side coming from behind to secure a 1-1 draw at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Sunday.
Remo Stars took the lead in the eighth minute through Ibrahim Shuaib, who capitalized on a fast throw by Ibrahim Abubakar to find the back of the net. The visitors’ goalkeeper, Adebiyi Obassa, made three crucial saves to deny Ikorodu City an equalizer before halftime.
Ikorodu City Deny Remo Stars: Remo’s Miss Is Ikorodu City’s Gain
Remo Stars could have doubled their advantage in the second half, but Faisal Sani’s free-kick went over the bar.
However, the visitors’ fortunes took a turn for the worse when Ahmed Akinyele got sent off for a second bookable offense just before the hour mark, reducing Remo to 10 men.
Ikorodu City eventually made the most of their numerical advantage, with Chinonso Chineme heading in the equalizer in stoppage time off a cross from Salau Yusuf.
The late goal rescued a point for Ikorodu City, who slipped to sixth place in the league as a result.
Remo Stars, on the other hand, surrendered the top spot to Rivers United, who regained the NPFL lead with a spirited second-half display against Kwara United.
The Pride of Rivers now holds a two-point gap at the top with 32 points after 17 matches.
The draw was a thrilling conclusion to a highly anticipated Southwest derby, with both teams showing great determination and skill. 
Ikorodu City’s late equalizer will be a morale booster for the team, while Remo Stars will look to regroup and reclaim their spot at the top of the league.