Ikorodu City were held to their second consecutive goalless draw of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season after a cagey encounter with El-Kanemi Warriors at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, on Sunday night.
The Lagos side have now gone 180 minutes without a goal this season, taking just two points from their opening two matches.
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For El-Kanemi, the draw represents a steady start, having defeated Bendel Insurance 2-0 in their opener, leaving them on four points after two games and yet to concede.
After the match, both managers shared contrasting emotions.
Ikorodu City head coach, Ali Kandil, rued his team’s lack of urgency in the first half:
“We lacked intensity in the first half. I think it’s a tough result to take. It’s always hard to play against teams that play mid-block and low block.”
On the other hand, El-Kanemi Warriors coach, Kabiru Dogo, expressed satisfaction with the point earned in Lagos:
“We came to Lagos aiming to pick up points and I’m pleased we got one. The boys stuck to the game plan and followed instructions. We respect Ikorodu City, they are a quality team.”
Looking ahead, Ikorodu City will face a stern test in Ibadan when they visit Shooting Stars Sports Club next Sunday in a fiery Southwest derby. El-Kanemi Warriors, meanwhile, return home to Maiduguri where they will host Rivers United.
