Remo Stars have been unbeaten in six games in the second stanza of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season .All games ended in draw but they are in a must-win situation against Akwa United this weekend to earn qualification for the season ending championship playoff, TUNDE LIADI writes
Remo Stars have fallen down the radar of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) playoff spots following their unimpressive campaign in the second stanza of the season.
They have probably the last chance to prove to their fans that they are not completely out when they do battle with second-placed Akwa United on Sunday in Ikenne.
The Sky Blue Stars are unbeaten in the second stanza thus far but they are yet to record a win in those matches. They have 21 points from 15 games to occupy the sixth spot and four points behind Enyimba who currently occupy the third and final Playoffs spot with 25 points. Anything other than a win over Akwa United could rule them out of the top three spots.
Remo Stars were close to a famous win at Aba against Enyimba last weekend before Chijioke Mbaoma’s 98th -minute strike rescued a point for the People’s Elephant. An away win would have boosted their playoff chances.
Akwa United, on the other hand, got their groove back after their opening game of the season loss to Bendel Insurance in Uyo. They reclaimed second spot after their 4-1 home win over Kwara United on Monday. They have 26 points from 15 games. They are within a few more points and an NPFL Championship playoffs spot.
In other Group A games, Nasarawa United will start their last-ditch attempt to remain in the topflight with a tricky tie at home to 3SC. Gombe United will try to end Bendel Insurance’s unbeaten start to the season when they slug it out at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe.
Enyimba will make a long trip to Maiduguri to face bottom placed El Kanemi Warriors while it will be North Central battle in Akure when Kwara United hosts Plateau United.
In Group B, Bayelsa United will strive to return to winning ways after two consecutive losses in all competitions with a home game against Sunshine Stars. Lobi Stars and Niger Tornadoes are involved in another North Central derby in Jos while Abia Warriors are up against Dakkada.
In the rest of the Group B ties, Rangers International FC will entertain Wikki Tourists. Rangers got a draw in Uyo against Dakkada in the last game. Rivers United and Doma United tie has been postponed with the reigning league champions in Tanzania ahead of this weekend’s CAF Confederation Cup quarter final, second leg tie.
FIXTURES
Group A
Nasarawa vs 3SC
Gombe vs Insurance
El Kanemi vs Enyimba
Remo vs Akwa
Kwara vs Plateau
Group B
Bayelsa vs Sunshine
Lobi vs Tornadoes
Abia vs Dakkada
Rangers vs Wikki