Rofiat Imuran Keeps Clean Sheet as London City Edge West Ham

Nigeria’s Rofiat Imuran was instrumental as London City Lionesses secured a 1–0 win over West Ham United in a Women’s Super League (WSL) clash on Sunday.

The 21 year old defender, who has quickly become a key figure for the newly promoted side, did not play the full 90 minutes — she was substituted later in the match but her efforts contributed to the clean sheet.

The difference in the game arrived in the 68th minute when veteran Swedish forward Kosovare Asllani capitalised on a hesitation by West Ham goalkeeper Kinga Szemik to nip the ball and calmly slot it into the net.

This victory marks an important statement for London City. It lifts them into the top half of the WSL table (6th place) and adds to their growing confidence this season.

West Ham, meanwhile, continue to endure a tough run of form, stretching their winless sequence in the league.

Editorial

We see Rofiat Imuran’s performance as more than just another clean sheet; it is emblematic of the quiet ascendancy of Nigerian talent in women’s football abroad. Every solid defensive display abroad strengthens the claim that our players are world-class, not merely hopeful prospects.

Imuran’s role in this victory despite being subbed off speaks to the idea that impact is not always measured in minutes alone. Her presence steadied the backline, contributed to the team’s shape, and helped set a tone of resilience. In a league as competitive as the WSL, such contributions often become decisive.

London City’s win also underscores the significance of blending experience and ambition. Asllani’s goal might make the headlines, but defenders like Imuran make the headlines possible. For women’s clubs to climb the ladder, every unit attack, midfield, defence must perform reliably. We believe nurturing that balance is precisely what differentiates contenders from pretenders.

West Ham’s plight cannot be ignored either. To register just two goals in 66 shots (as reported) is a far cry from expectation. Whether it is tactical indecision, lack of confidence, or deeper structural issues, a club of their stature must respond quickly. Otherwise, more matches like this will slip through their fingers.

We believe this result should ripple beyond matchday reports. Nigerian football both at home and in diaspora must lean into stories like Imuran’s, using them to advocate for greater investment in women’s development, better scouting, and pathways that don’t treat female players as afterthoughts. When one of our own holds the line in a foreign top tier, that’s not just a personal win it’s a blueprint.

Imuran’s clean sheet will not erase all doubts, but it should deepen our conviction. She, and others like her, deserve stages, support, and belief. That is how stars become legacies.

Did You Know?

1. This was London City Lionesses’ third victory in six league matches in just their debut WSL season.
2. Imuran joined the club from French side Stade de Reims (women) earlier in her career.
3. The goal by Kosovare Asllani came after West Ham’s keeper held onto the ball too long, giving Asllani the opportunity to intercept.
4. Imuran had already been consolidating her status as a key defensive presence for London City before this match.
5. West Ham’s struggles have been ongoing: they entered this game on an extended winless run in the WSL, with this match deepening their crisis.