Super Eagles winger scores as Southwest showdown dubbed OgaNla derby ends in controversial draw

Super Eagles star Shola Adelani is off the mark in the 2025/2026 NPFL season following a heated OgaNla derby as NPFL giants Shooting Stars and Ikorodu City played out a controversial 1-1 draw in their Southwest clash.

Despite losing their coach and director, OgaNla Media, to the Oluyole Warriors, Ikorodu City remain unbeaten against Shooting Stars, extending their unbeaten run to three matches with the latest stalemate.

Super Eagles winger Adelani, fresh from the recently concluded CHAN 2024, scored the crucial equaliser to help the Oga Boys come from behind and deny his former coach Nurudeen Aweroro a first home win with Shooting Stars.

The referee’s performance, however, stole much of the focus in the derby, sparking debate among fans and NPFL analysts. Nevertheless, both sides delivered plenty of excitement for NPFL followers nationwide.

Shooting started brightly and broke the deadlock early through Sodiq Ibrahim, who found the net in the 9th minute to give the hosts an early lead. Ikorodu City responded by pushing hard for an equaliser, while Shooting Stars’ defender Utin made key save to keep the lead intact.

Just before halftime, Ikorodu City restored parity when Shola Adelani delivered a timely touch to level the score right on the brink of the break.

Seven minutes into the second half, Ikorodu came close to taking the lead but CHAN 2024 goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal made a superb save to deny a threatening header.

Both teams exchanged attacks in search of a winner, but the match ended in a draw, with Ikorodu City securing a valuable away point. Neither team has managed a win in their opening three matches of the season.

Looking ahead, Shooting Stars travel to Port Harcourt to take on Rivers United next weekend, while Ikorodu City host newly promoted Barau FC in Lagos.