Unbreakable Wall! Atata stands tall again as clean sheet record lifts City's Oga Boys past Khalifat
i

Goalkeeper Michael 'The Wall' Atata (left) and match winner Dagogo (right) at Onikan. (Photo Credit: Pulse Sports and Ikorodu City)

Unbreakable Wall! Atata stands tall again as clean sheet record lifts City's Oga Boys past Khalifat

Izuchukwu Akawor 20:18 - 02.11.2025

NPFL: Goalkeeper Michael 'The Wall' Atata makes history, extending his incredible clean sheet record and inspiring the City Boys to a routine win over Khalifat.

Goalkeeper Michael ‘The Wall’ Atata cemented his current status as the best in the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) on Sunday after extending his incredible clean sheet record to seven in 11 matches.

Atata was in fine form as Ikorodu City Football Club secured a routine 2-0 victory against newly promoted Kun Khalifat at home, moving the City Boys up to third place in the league table.

Routine Victory Underpinned by Goalkeeping Brilliance

Ikorodu City, known as the Oga Boys, delivered an expected three points against Kun Khalifat, but the narrative was dominated by the man between the sticks. 

The home side took the lead in the 30th minute when Chidera Oparaocha rose highest to head home from an Arumala corner, setting the tone for a commanding performance.

While the hosts controlled large periods, Kun Khalifat pressed hard, especially late in the first half, testing the City defense. 

It was in this period that Atata truly shone. Just before the halftime whistle, the keeper produced a stunning one-handed save to deny a sure-fire equaliser, a moment hailed by pundits as the "save of the season."

Michael Atata has now kept 7 clean sheets his season in the NPFL.

The City Boys finally doubled their advantage in the 60th minute through a spectacular effort. Academy graduate Dagogo unleashed a long-range missile that flew past the Kun Khalifat keeper, confirming the victory and giving the side a comfortable cushion. 

Despite the insurance goal, Kun Khalifat ramped up their search for a consolation, but Atata's shot-stopping brilliance and commanding presence ensured the scoreline remained intact.

Michael Atata's achievement of seven clean sheets in just 11 matches is an evidence of both his individual form and the defensive structure implemented by the Ikorodu City technical crew. 

This record places him firmly at the top of the NPFL's goalkeeping statistics. His consistency has transformed Ikorodu City from a mid-table side into a serious title contender. 

Dagogo celebrates his first senior goal.

The tactical discipline, coupled with Atata's reliable shot-stopping, makes the City Boys one of the hardest teams in the league to break down.

The victory, and the subsequent move to third place, signal a significant milestone for Ikorodu City. They now sit within touching distance of the top spot, benefiting from a goal difference largely boosted by Atata’s record.