It was ex-Enyimba midfielder, Michael Okoyoh who had the final say, when he unleashed a thunderbolt that inspired Ikorodu United to a thrilling 3-2 win over Enyimba in a rescheduled League fixture.
Having fallen behind twice in the game and bounced back for each time, Enyimba looked set to leave the MKO Abiola Stadium Abeokuta with something in the bag before that Okoyoh moment.
Following last weekend's defeat, Paul Aigbogun went for a more attacking setup; lining up Mfon Udoh and Joseph Osadiaye on either side of Alloy Browne and Musa Najere. Olufemi Oladapo was sacrificed for Osadiaye leaving a midfield two rather than the trio who played in Lokoja.
That meant more work for Razak Aliyu and Nzube Anaezemba against a workmanlike Ikorodu United midfield and although the game took a while to get going, when it eventually did, none could have predicted the sequence of events.
Ikorodu United drew first blood in the 26th minute when Fatai Abdullahi drilled home a strike from outside the area. The ball watching men in blue jerseys stood stifled as Afelokhai dived in vain, unable to stop a well struck effort.
Enyimba responded immediately, Mfon Udoh converting a penalty following Najare's upending in the home team's area. Udoh dispatched his 11th goal of the campaign in all competitions, sending the keeper the other way.
But the floodgates were thrown open in the second period and in the 57th minute, Ikorodu were ahead again. It was similar to their first. The visitors criminally allowed Balogun Oluwole time and space to take aim just outside the area and the unstoppable strike rocketed into the corner.
The Elephants would shortly lose Defender and captain of the day, Emmanuel Anyanwu to an ankle injury. But in the 65th minute, Enyimba drew level yet again. Osadiaye flicked Afelokhai's long punt in the path of Musa Najare and the striker tucked it underneath Azeez.
Ikorodu looked stunned but a side that just trashed Kano Pillars 4-1 on this turf three days ago were not giving up in a hurry. Six minutes after Enyimba's second goal, they were ahead for that third time in the game. Michael Okoyoh who had just got on the pitch for only a couple of minutes earlier, joined the shooting practice, sending his screamer into the top corner.
Enyimba's attempts for a third answer were futile despite the introduction of Ezekiel Bassey for Joseph Osadiaye. Uche John came close with his dangerous cross into the area as full time beckoned but the Oga boys held on for a fourth win in five games.
They are not going down without a fight- the home team, whose poor early season run have them already condemned for life in the lower cadres. For Enyimba, there's hardly enough time to muse over this defeat as the other Lagos team, MFM, who incidentally also have relegation concerns visit Port Harcourt in three days.
It's about a respectable League finish now.
Having fallen behind twice in the game and bounced back for each time, Enyimba looked set to leave the MKO Abiola Stadium Abeokuta with something in the bag before that Okoyoh moment.
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Following last weekend's defeat, Paul Aigbogun went for a more attacking setup; lining up Mfon Udoh and Joseph Osadiaye on either side of Alloy Browne and Musa Najere. Olufemi Oladapo was sacrificed for Osadiaye leaving a midfield two rather than the trio who played in Lokoja.
That meant more work for Razak Aliyu and Nzube Anaezemba against a workmanlike Ikorodu United midfield and although the game took a while to get going, when it eventually did, none could have predicted the sequence of events.
Ikorodu United drew first blood in the 26th minute when Fatai Abdullahi drilled home a strike from outside the area. The ball watching men in blue jerseys stood stifled as Afelokhai dived in vain, unable to stop a well struck effort.
Enyimba responded immediately, Mfon Udoh converting a penalty following Najare's upending in the home team's area. Udoh dispatched his 11th goal of the campaign in all competitions, sending the keeper the other way.
But the floodgates were thrown open in the second period and in the 57th minute, Ikorodu were ahead again. It was similar to their first. The visitors criminally allowed Balogun Oluwole time and space to take aim just outside the area and the unstoppable strike rocketed into the corner.
The Elephants would shortly lose Defender and captain of the day, Emmanuel Anyanwu to an ankle injury. But in the 65th minute, Enyimba drew level yet again. Osadiaye flicked Afelokhai's long punt in the path of Musa Najare and the striker tucked it underneath Azeez.
Ikorodu looked stunned but a side that just trashed Kano Pillars 4-1 on this turf three days ago were not giving up in a hurry. Six minutes after Enyimba's second goal, they were ahead for that third time in the game. Michael Okoyoh who had just got on the pitch for only a couple of minutes earlier, joined the shooting practice, sending his screamer into the top corner.
Enyimba's attempts for a third answer were futile despite the introduction of Ezekiel Bassey for Joseph Osadiaye. Uche John came close with his dangerous cross into the area as full time beckoned but the Oga boys held on for a fourth win in five games.
They are not going down without a fight- the home team, whose poor early season run have them already condemned for life in the lower cadres. For Enyimba, there's hardly enough time to muse over this defeat as the other Lagos team, MFM, who incidentally also have relegation concerns visit Port Harcourt in three days.
It's about a respectable League finish now.
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