Sports

NPFL: Remo Stars on-top as Bendel Insurance falls

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  • Lobi Stars remain unbeaten

  • Veteran Rabiu Ali scores last-gasp winner against Rivers United

 

Remo Stars of Ikenne shot to the top of the Nigerian Premier Football League after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Sporting FC of Lagos.

The match dubbed the “South-West derby” lived up to the billing as both sides attacked with speed and guile much to the appreciation of Ikenne fans.

But were soon stunned as Sporing Lagos took a shock lead on 21 minutes as Jonathan Alukwu latched onto a through-ball and confidently slots past the Remo goalie.

But Remo Stars rallied and restored parity 30 minutes in as Franck Mawuena directed home a cross from sensational Sodiq Ismail.

Play was suspended for nearly an hour due to bad weather, but Remo Stars took firm control as Sikiru Alimi scored from the spot on 48 minutes to shoot the home team to the top of the NPFL with 9 points.

 

The defeat saw Sporting Lagos drop to 11th position and they must now rally to keep their maiden season fairy tale affloat.

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It was a bitter feeling for previous NPFL leaders Bendel Insurance of Benin as they fell 1-0 to Gombe United at the Pantami stadium.

A brilliant strike from Ahmed Jimoh on 51 minutes ensured the Benin Arsenal conceded their first goal of the season and their first defeat.

Lobi Stars of Makurdi have maintained their unbeaten run this season after coolly dispatching Abia Warriors 2-0.

On 15 minutes, Liman Amadou gave the hosts the lead.

Midfielder Alao Danbani secured the 3-points with another dispatch.

 

This vital win ensured Lobi Stars remain among the top sides on the league table with eight points from four games.

In Kano, veteran midfielder Rabiu rolled back the years by scoring a 92-minute winner for Kano Pillars to defeat Rivers United 1-0 at the Sani Abacha stadium.

After resisting several attacks, the Port Harcourt side finally succumbed to Rabiu Ali’s strike that sent the near-capacity stadium into delirium.

 

Seven-time champions Rangers moved to second position after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Kwara United in Ilorin.

Kazeem Ogunleye put Rangers ahead four minutes after the half hour mark, but Kwara United fought back with Alao Mohamed netting the equaliser on 54 minutes.

Shooting Stars of Ibadan ran away with a point from Eket after holding bottom-side Akwa United to a 0-0 draw.

The draw between Akwa United and Shooting Stars was a disappointing result for both teams.

Akwa United were hoping to get their first win of the season, but they were unable to break down a well-organized Shooting Stars defense.

Shooting Stars will be happy with the point, but they will be disappointed that they could not get all three points.

FULL RESULTS

Akwa United 0-0 Shooting Stars
Kano Pillars 1-0 Rivers United
Kwara United 1-1 Enugu Rangers
Lobi Stars 2-0 Abia Warriors
Plateau United 1-0 Sunshine Stars
Heartland FC 1-1 Katsina United
Gombe United 1-0 Bendel Insurance
Niger Tornadoes 1-0 Bayelsa United

 

Mazino Dickson-Amagada 525 posts 0 comments
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