Defending champions Remo Stars kept its survival hopes alive on Sunday with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over third-placed Nasarawa United, in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) encounter, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.
The match began with high tension, as Nasarawa United sought to cement its position in the continental spots. The first half was a tactical stalemate, ending goalless as both defences held firm.
In the second half, the deadlock was finally broken in the 62nd minute. Following a period of sustained pressure, Stanley Joseph reacted fastest to a loose ball to tap home to send the Ikenne faithful into a frenzy.
However, the nerves of the champions was tested in the 83rd minute. Against the run of play, Nasarawa substitute Suleiman Dauda capitalised on a defensive lapse to slot home an equaliser.
The goal silenced the home crowd and threatened to derail Remo’s survival charge.
Refusing to settle for a draw, Remo Stars pushed forward in the closing stages. The persistence paid off in the 88th minute. During a chaotic goalmouth scramble, Michael Ibe bundled the ball over the line to restore the lead.
Remo Stars held on through five minutes of stoppage time to claim all three points.
In a season where the Remo Stars have unthinkably flirted with the relegation zone, this Match day 30 triumph provides a massive psychological and mathematical boost to their campaign.
Under the guidance of new coach Usman Abdallah, Remo Stars displayed a level of resilience that has been missing for much of the 2025/2026 season.
Match Day 30 NPFL results
Bendel Insurance 2-1 Kun Khalifat FC
Kwara United 0-0 Rangers International
El-Kanemi Warriors 1-1 Katsina United
Shooting Stars 3-2 Wikki Tourist
Barau FC 2-0 Abia Warriors
Niger Tornadoes 0-0 Kano Pillars
Enyimba FC 2-0 Plateau United
Bayelsa United 2-1 Warri Wolves
Remo Stars 2-1 Nasarawa United.
