Ex-Super Eagles coach Finidi George battered by NPFL babies Ikorodu City in 5-goal thriller

When the draw for the ValueJet Cup semi-finals was made, few would have given minnows and NPFL newbies Ikorodu City a chance against the might of Finidi George's Rivers United.

But the NPFL babies from the lower divisions had other ideas, as they produced a stunning fightback to knock out the big boys and book their place in the final.

Finidi, the former Nigeria and Ajax star, watched in despair as his Rivers United side surrendered a 1-0 lead to lose 3-2 in a pulsating encounter.

Kabiru Abdullahi had put the 'Pride of Rivers' ahead early on, but Ikorodu, also known as the 'Oga Boys', refused to lie down.

They hit back with two quick-fire goals before the break to stun the more illustrious opponents and go in 2-1 up at half-time.

There was a delay to the start of the second half as Rivers United initially refused to return to the pitch in protest at Ikorodu's second goal.

But when play did resume, it was United who levelled the score at 2-2 before the underdogs struck again to restore their lead at 3-2 after Emmanuel Nnaji had briefly drawn Rivers level.

And that proved to be the winner, as Ikorodu hung on for a famous victory that will live long in the memory.

It was another bitter disappointment for Finidi, whose ill-fated spell as Nigeria boss also ended in disaster, with the Super Eagles failing to keep a clean sheet in their two matches under his watch.

Now the former Ajax and Real Betis winger, having watched them impress initially, must pick up the pieces as his Rivers United side crashed out of the competition, while minnows Ikorodu City march on to the final.

The Oga Boys have shown they can mix it with the big boys - and they'll certainly be no pushover when they contest the ValueJet Cup showpiece against Sudanese champions, Al Merrikh, who have already lost to the Oga Boys, or Remo Stars, the hosts.