The ball rolling into an empty net
A strange and shocking own goal in the Nigerian Premier League clash between Ikorodu City and Bayelsa United on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, has set social media ablaze and sparked fresh outrage over suspected match-fixing in local football.
The incident occurred in the 11th minute of the game, with the score at 1-0 in favour of Ikorodu City, who had taken an early lead through Okechukwu Nwanna just two minutes in.
While Ikorodu were still on the front foot, defender Oyedokun Tosin attempted a routine back pass to goalkeeper Oluwadamilare Aina. What followed, however, stunned everyone watching.
Inexplicably, Aina failed to trap the ball under minimal pressure, watching helplessly as it rolled under his foot and into the net, gifting Ikorodu City an own goal that leveled the score at 1-1.
The manner of the mistake has left fans questioning the legitimacy of the moment, with many on social media accusing both players of involvement in a match-fixing scandal.
Despite the confusion, Tosin later restored Ikorodu’s lead, only for Sadiq Auwal of Bayelsa to equalise once more in the 26th minute. But it was Shola Adelani who settled the match in the 62nd minute, scoring what proved to be the winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory for the home side.
The win was crucial for Ikorodu City, propelling them to 4th place on the table and into the CAF Confederation Cup qualification spots. Meanwhile, Bayelsa United dropped to 10th.
Clips of the own goal have since gone viral, with fans demanding investigations from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and league authorities.
Watch the video below:
FKA/MA
