2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 32: Igbunu hat-trick not enough as Ikorodu City hold firm

Posted : 30 March 2026

Ikorodu City FC delivered a resilient performance to edge past Warri Wolves FC 4–3 in a dramatic Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 32 clash at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.

While the hosts ultimately claimed all three points, the contest will be remembered for its intensity and the near-successful comeback led by Warri Wolves’ hat-trick hero, Evwierhurhoma Igbunu.

Ikorodu City made a blistering start, asserting early dominance with quick attacking transitions. Abayomi Ayodeji set the tone in the 8th minute, weaving past defenders before slotting home confidently to give the hosts the lead.

The momentum continued as Joseph Arumala rose highest in the 25th minute to nod in Tosin Oyedokun’s pinpoint corner, registering his 11th goal of the campaign and putting the Oga Boys firmly in control.

However, Warri Wolves responded almost immediately. Igbunu halved the deficit just a minute later, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to ignite hopes of a comeback.

Ikorodu City regained their two-goal cushion before the break, benefiting from a defensive mix-up that resulted in an own goal after sustained pressure from Ayodeji.

The second half resumed with renewed urgency from the visitors, and they were rewarded in the 53rd minute when Igbunu calmly converted from the penalty spot to make it 3–2.

Any thoughts of a full comeback were briefly halted just a minute later, as captain Tosin Oyedokun capped off a well-worked team move with a clinical finish to restore Ikorodu City’s advantage at 4–2.

Warri Wolves refused to relent and continued to push forward in search of goals. Their persistence paid off deep into stoppage time when Igbunu completed his hat-trick in the 94th minute, setting up a tense finale.

Despite the late pressure, Ikorodu City held on to secure a vital victory that keeps their title ambitions alive. The result sees them maintain third position on the NPFL table with 52 points from 32 matches.

Speaking after the game, head coach Bright Ozadegbe acknowledged the tense nature of the encounter, praising his players’ resolve in seeing out the win despite the late scare.

The hard-fought victory reinforces Ikorodu City's standing as a major force in the league as the season reaches its climax. Warri Wolves showed incredible spirit through Igbunu's individual brilliance, but the Oga Boys' early clinical finishing proved decisive. Both teams now look ahead to the remaining fixtures of the NPFL campaign with high stakes on the line.

2025/2026 NPFL Match Day 32: Igbunu hat-trick not enough as Ikorodu City hold firm

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