Niger Tornadoes were left to count the cost of profligacy in front of goal after suffering a 2–0 defeat to Ikorodu City on NPFL Matchday 25 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.
The Ikon Allah Boys were undone by a brace from Joseph Aramula, who found the net in either half to hand the hosts a deserved victory in an entertaining, open contest.
Both sides began the encounter on the front foot, trading early attacking intent as they searched for a breakthrough.
Tornadoes adopted a bold approach, pairing Ismaila Sarki and Kufre Ebong in attack for the first time this season, a move that initially caused problems for the Ikorodu City defence.
However, the hosts drew first blood after being awarded a first-half penalty when Idris Saidu was adjudged to have fouled an opposing player in the area.
Despite strong protests from the Tornadoes bench, the referee upheld the decision, and Aramula made no mistake from the spot, calmly sending the goalkeeper Ifeanyi Nchekwube the wrong way.
Seeking a response, head coach Majin Mohammed made an early change after the restart, introducing Rickson Mendos to inject urgency into the attack.
Further tactical adjustments followed as Abdulaziz Dalhatu replaced Sabiu Ibrahim, aiming to bolster midfield control while maintaining attacking thrust.
Niger Tornadoes enjoyed promising spells in the second half and fashioned several clear openings but repeatedly failed to apply the finishing touch. Those missed chances ultimately proved decisive.
Ikorodu City sealed the result two minutes before stoppage time, with Aramula completing his brace on the counter-attack to cap an efficient performance from the hosts.
The defeat leaves Niger Tornadoes reflecting on a lack of cutting edge and sees them slip to ninth place on the NPFL table at a crucial stage of the season.
