The much-anticipated 2025 Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) opener at the Ikorodu A Center between Athletic FC and Buruj FC ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw.
The match began promptly at 9:00 AM, with the home side, Athletic FC, initiating play.
The early minutes saw both teams battling intensely for possession, with Athletic FC gradually gaining control.
Their efforts paid off in the 18th minute, when a well-coordinated attack culminated in the opening goal, putting the hosts ahead 1-0. The first half ended with Athletic FC maintaining their slim advantage.
The second half began with Buruj FC eager to level the score by pushing forward in numbers.
Their persistence paid off following a rough tackle by an Athletic FC defender, which resulted in a free kick awarded just 20 yards from goal.
Alabi Sulaimon stepped up and delivered a stunning strike to equalize in the 75th minute.
Buruj FC continued to apply pressure in search of a winning goal.
In the 88th minute, goalkeeper Shina launched a long pass that found Edet Inyang, who made a brilliant solo run, beating two defenders before chipping the ball past the Athletic FC goalkeeper to make it 2-1 in favor of the visitors.
However, the drama was far from over. In stoppage time, a costly error by Buruj FC defender Sola, who clipped an Athletic FC striker inside the penalty area, resulted into a spot-kick.
The home side converted the penalty in the 91st minute, leveling the score at 2-2 to end the game in a share of the spoils after three minutes of added time.
