Femi Solaja in Ikenne
Remo Stars secured the needed points to move to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after a 2-1 defeat of Sporting Lagos in a tension-soaked class in Ikenne yesterday.
The defeat for the high-flying Sporting Lagos was the first time their goalkeeper, Christian Nwoke, conceded a goal after having clean sheet in four league games.
This ‘South West Classico’ lived up to billing despite the torrential rainfall that disrupted the match for close to 30 minutes for the second half to start on Sunday evening.
However, it was Sporting Lagos that jolted the Ikenne SkyBlue Landlords with
a grass cutting shot from Jonathan Amuku in the 21st minute.
Shocked by the goal, Remo Stars went on counter offensive. Under severe pressure, Sporting Lagos captain, Ozavchae Balogun, deflected the ball into his net for the equaliser.
It was the same player who under pressure handled the ball in his penalty box to give the hard pressing Remo Stars a penalty kick opportunity in the 49th minute.
Sikiru Alimi took the shot to give Remo Stars the deserved win and move to top of the log of the Nigerian topflight. Interestingly, Remo Stars have won their previous three matches with the same 2-1 scoreline to maximum 12 points from four match-days.
RESULTS
NPFL
Gombe Utd 1-0 Insurance
Akwa Utd 0-0 Shooting
Heartland 1-1 Katsina Utd
Kano Pillars 1-0 Rivers Utd
Kwara Utd 1-1 Rangers
Lobi 2-0 Abia Warriors
Plateau 1-0 Sunshine
Premier League
Aston Villa 4-1 West Ham
