THE 2023 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) runner-up, Remo Stars of Ikenne, will face newly promoted NPFL side, Sporting Lagos, in the maiden Naija Super 8 tournament final on Sunday. Daniel Ogunmodede’s boys secured a slot in the final, courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Lobi Stars in their semi-final match played at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Friday, while Sporting Lagos recovered from a goal down to beat Akwa United 2-1.
Remo Stars qualified for the semi-finals by a hairbreadth, but dominated the opening exchanges of their match, and nearly forced Lobi Stars defence to an own goal in the 13th minute. In return, Lobi Stars danger man, Joseph Atule, forced Remo Stars goalkeeper, Kayode Bankole into a fingertip save in the 20th minute.
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The Ikenne boys opened the scoring in the 24th minute through Dena Akorli, who guided Isaac James’ pinpoint cross into the bottom corner. Atule was close to drawing Lobi Stars level in the 31st minute, crashing his half-volley against the upright. The Remo Stars goalkeeper was forced into another big save in the 40th minute, as Lobi Stars pushed for the equliser. Bankole preserved his side’s lead into the break with another brilliant save to deny Liman Amadu, late in the half.
Two minutes into the second half, Nduka Junior doubled Remo Stars lead, heading home from a Conner. Lobi Stars found a way back into the match courtesy of a handball in the box by Nwaeze Boniface. Atule made no mistake from the spot to score his third goal of the tournament in the 62nd minute.