Abayomi opens the season with a goal as Ikorodu City beat Ranchers Bees 3-1

Abayomi Ayodeji got off the mark for the new NPFL season as Ikorodu City came from behind to defeat newly promoted Ranchers Bees 3-1 in their first match of the EuroMatch NPFL 2026/2027 season at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.

Ranchers Bees took an early lead in the fifth minute through Jude Okorie, but Ikorodu City responded strongly and tied the game in the 30th minute through Umar Dan’Azumi, setting the stage for a comeback.

Ayodeji then completed the comeback just before half-time, curling a fine shot into the bottom corner in the fifth minute of added time to give Ikorodu City a 2-1 half-time lead.

The goal marked a positive start to the campaign for the striker, who signed for Ikorodu City in January last season and finished the 2025/2026 league campaign with five goals.

With his first goal of the new season already secured, Ayodeji hopes to build on that tally and play a key role in Ikorodu City’s campaign.

Captain Salami Farouk sealed the victory in the 87th minute, converting a penalty and sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to complete the 3-1 victory for the Lagos team.

The result gives Ikorodu City maximum points in their first match as they begin the 2026/2027 NPFL campaign on a winning note.