FC Ifeanyi Uba's foreign imports shone brilliantly as the billionaire club outclassed newly promoted Ikorodu United in Match Day 6 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) on Sunday in Nnewi.
Malian Nico Dao netted a first half brace before Stephen Nwaiwu halved the deficit for Ikorodu United with a sumptuous free kick early in the second half. The hosts' two-goal lead was restored shortly after by Okereke Maduabuchi before Ivorian Pascal Seka wrapped up scoring with a disputed penalty eight minutes from time.
The encounter was served out in an entertaining fashion which defied the torrential downpour that engulfed the arena for about six hours on Match Day. The visitors settled quickly on the wet surface but were undone after just 10 minutes by a moment of brilliance from Dao.
The Malian did well to bring down a Chibuzor Okonkwo long thrust, held his marker before firing a looping effort on the turn and over Ikorodu United goalkeeper Adamu Azeez from the edge of the penalty box to put the hosts in front.
The hosts doubled their advantage on 18 minutes when Dao once again made his physicality count. The 6ft 5" striker who was making his full debut for the team elegantly headed home Brazilian Alberico Barbosa da Silva's precise left angled cross to give Ifeanyiubah a 2-0 lead going into the break.
The visitors continued their good play in the second half and were rewarded with what would be a consolation goal on 52 minutes when former Ifeanyiubah attacker, Stephen Nwaiwu curled home a free kick from inside the arc at the edge of the penalty box.
Not willing to take chances, the hosts upped the ante and shortly after Chibuzor Okonkwo's free kick was kept out by Azeez, homeboy Okereke Maduabuchi netted his team's third on 56 minutes. Maduabuchi's goal however had a stroke of luck in it as his effort deflected beyond Azeez after a mazy dribbling run.
Ikorodu United gaffer, Edema Benson then threw in his jokers Agbane Candy and Harrison Egbune and the former had a good effort tipped away by Ifeanyiubah goakeeper Edwin Nwakamma. For all their adventurous play all day, United's defensive frailties was not a top-flight class and they were made to pay there and then.
Two more foreign imports combined for the final goal when referee Jerry Akure pointed to the spot after Brazilian substitute Williams Da Silva was hauled back when on a surging run. The visitors argued that it was just outside the area but another substitute Pascal Seka fired home emphatically with eight minutes left on the clock.
The Oga Boys as Ikorodu United are fondly called ultimately failed to avoid the defeat despite giving it a brave fight. They now head to Uyo in midweek for a rescheduled game against Akwa United while for FC Ifeanyiubah and their legion of foreigners, the honeymoon continues.
Match Details
FC IFEANYIUBAH: 1. Edwin Nwakamma 23. Ikechukwu Mbonu 30. Elu Wilson 18. Mohammed Suleiman 20. Chibuzor Okonkwo 4. Olamilekan Aniyikaye 11. Bright Onyedikachi 34. Fabrice Ngoma 35. Nico Dao 7. Okereke Maduabuchi 27. Alberico Barbosa Da Silva
Subs: 12. Uche Okafor 5. Onyekachi Akakem 9. Koffi Boakye Nti 15. Williams Walter Da Silva 8. Tamen Medrano 13. Emmanuel Thompson 26. Pascal Seka
IKORODU UNITED: 24. Adamu Azeez 6. Rafiu Monsuru 3. Lucky Edjebare 4. Obinna Mbah 5. Moshood Kabiru 15. Nnedum Francis 7. Balogun Kabir 8. Stephen Nwaiwu 9. Okosi Edhere 11. Moses Ebiye 22. Stephen Ebeye
Subs: 1. Jimmy Bello 2. Abdullahi Fatai 14. Azu Chile 10. Agbane Candy 27. Harrison Egbune 29. Oluwasegun Akinbo
STATS
FT: FC Ifeanyiubah 4-1 Ikorodu United
Shots (On target): 12(7) - 7(4)
Corners: 1 - 6
Fouls: 13 - 12
Offside: 1 - 2
Bookings: 1 - 2
FT: FC Ifeanyiubah 4-1 Ikorodu United
Shots (On target): 12(7) - 7(4)
Corners: 1 - 6
Fouls: 13 - 12
Offside: 1 - 2
Bookings: 1 - 2
Referee: Jerry Akure
By Fisayo Dairo
By Fisayo Dairo
