By Abiodun Adewale.
Nigeria National League side, Ikorodu City FC, are enthusiastic that their triumph at the 2023 Lagos State FA Cup will propel their ambition as they hope to scale more heights this season, The PUNCH reports.
Thanks to a 2-0 defeat of fellow NNL side, Smart City FC, the club won its first piece of silverware by claiming the Lagos State FA Cup at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Sunday.
Forward Ayomide Cole was at the centre of both goals for the club, forcing an own goal in the first half before getting a strike of his own in the second half to earn the win for his side.
The FA Cup success comes in time for the club who have been struggling for momentum in the NNL this season, winning just one game out of four in the first round while they are also canvassing to play in the money-spinning off season tournament, Naija Super 8.
“Personally, I feel excited having won the FA cup twice as a player, that was in 2004 and 2006 with First Bank Football Club and now as a coach. It’s a morale-boosting win for us as we continue this season,” Ikorodu City coach, Sodiq Dabiri told The PUNCH.
The club will now turn their attention to the Federation Cup as they face Crusader FC of Bayelsa in round 64 game in Owerri on Wednesday before returning to NNL actions by weekend.
“Our target is to win our first game and progress to the next round of the competition then we will see what we will be able to do from there. In the league all hope is not lost as far as I’m concerned, everything is possible with hardwork and dedication of the players,” he added.