What unfolded under the floodlights of the Mobolaji Johnson Arena was more than football—it was folklore in motion.
On a night few will forget, Ikorodu City FC wrote their name into the history books with a stunning 6-0 demolition of Katsina United. It wasn’t just a win. It was a warning.
For the fans who packed into the heart of Lagos, it felt like something bigger than the beautiful game. This was poetry written in passes.
Passion molded into goals. And at the center of it all stood two names that will now echo through NPFL history: Shola Adelani and Ayomide Cole.
Opening Salvo: Statement of Intent
The Oga Boys wasted no time. Just 11 minutes in, Emmanuel Solomon lit the spark with a composed finish, set up by the ever-reliable Waliu, who burst down the flank like he had a personal vendetta against the grass. That first goal didn’t just open the scoring—it tore open the night.
With confidence surging through their veins, Ikorodu pressed on. In the 34th minute, Shola Adelani doubled the advantage with a strike that showed both poise and purpose. It was his 11th goal contribution this season—proof, if needed, that he’s become the heartbeat of Ikorodu’s high-flying attack.
The Ayomide Cole Show
Enter Ayomide Cole, and everything changed. Subbed in after halftime, the young forward arrived like a storm—and Katsina United were the unfortunate city left without shelter.
First, a no-look pass in the 55th minute set up Tosin Oyedokun for the third. It was cheeky, brilliant, and borderline disrespectful. Then Cole took matters into his own hands—literally and figuratively—slotting home Waliu’s delivery in the 71st minute before unleashing a thunderbolt of a goal in the 86th. A solo run, a cut inside, and a strike that kissed the back of the net with authority.
Cole didn’t just play. He preached.
Dada’s Debut Delight
With the scoreboard already resembling a basketball game, Oladimeji Dada got his fairytale moment. The substitute ghosted in at the back post and converted yet another precision cross from Waliu—his third assist of the night—to make it 5-0. For Dada, it was his first goal in Ikorodu colors; for fans, it was the icing on an already five-layered cake.
A Night Etched in History
By the final whistle, Katsina United looked dazed, defeated, and desperate for the game to end. But for Ikorodu City, this was a night of triumph, transformation, and testimony. Their six-goal masterpiece marks the biggest NPFL win since Rivers United thrashed Gombe United 6-0 in June 2024.
But this wasn’t just about the scoreline.
It was about emergence.
Ikorodu City now sit fourth on the log with 49 points from 32 games—firmly in the conversation for continental qualification. And with talents like Adelani and Cole lighting the way, few would bet against them going all the way.
Looking Ahead
Next stop? Niger Tornadoes. But for now, Ikorodu City can bask in the afterglow of a night where football became magic. A night that reminded everyone why we watch, why we cheer, why we believe.
A night that felt like destiny.
