Femi Solaja in Ikenne
Remo Stars returned to the summit of the NPFL following two late goals from substitute, Okon Aniekeme, to give his side the needed 2-0 win against Sunshine Stars of Akure in the first match of the new year.
The win catapulted Remo back to the top of the league table but are tied on same 32 points with Lobi Stars. Remo however have better goal difference.
It was a repeat of the script of their last home outing last year when they had to wait till deep into the injury time to win against visiting Lobi stars in a keenly contested match.
The visiting Sunshine Stars look cagy in the opening minutes of the match but Remo Stars were able to find their rhythm and took control of the match but were poor in their finishing.
On resumption, Edith Agoye lads were no longer on defensive as they made dangerous incursions into the vital area but were unlucky not to have scored via one of their counter attacks.
With time running down and all look set for a barren home draw, disaster struck the visitors when substitute, Aniekeme hit the target from a close range.
The match was held up for some minutes following protest from both sides over what Sunshine Stars players saw as misconduct from a ball boy but the referee brought the match under control while Olamilaken Adams got a red card.
On resumption of play, the stadium ruptured into another celebration when Aniekeme hit another goal off a rebound to leave the score line at 2-0.
In other matches, Gombe United and Rivers United played out 1-1 draw while Akwa United came from a goal down to win 3-1 at home against Abia Warriors.
Kano Pillars won 2-1 at home against Plateau United while Kwara United lost to visiting Lobi Stars.
Niger Tornadoes secured 3-2 win over visiting Heartland of Owerri, while Enyimba were 2-0 better against Sporting Lagos and Shooting Stars managed a lone goal win against Bayelsa United.
Earlier on Saturday, Insurance of Benin won 2-0 against Enugu Rangers just as Doma United defeated Katsina United.
2-0.
