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Tag: Remo Stars

  • NPFL  restarts with  Remo Stars, Rivers United in tough away ties

    NPFL  restarts with  Remo Stars, Rivers United in tough away ties

    The second stanza of the 2024-25 Nigeria Premier Football League season resumes this weekend with seven games while  a  rescheduled game from  the first stanza on Monday  complete the fixtures, writes TUNDE LIADI…

    Remo Stars sit  on top of  the table with 36 points from 19 games but they will face a stern test to hold on to that position when they face wounded Akwa United in Uyo tomorrow. The Promise Keepers lost the first leg in Ikenne 2-1 but the Sky Blue Stars didn’t have it easy before getting the maximum points.

    Akwa United who recently welcome the return of former head coach, Kennedy Boboye on a second stint until the end of the season at least are in the relegation zone and will need to start the second stanza with a bang despite facing the league leaders.

    In Lafia, Nasarawa United are under compulsion to beat Katsina United today in the reverse fixture of the first stanza to start the second round on a positive note. They were pinned 1-0 by the Chanji Boys in Katsina last month. The Solid Miners who are last on the table were docked three points from their points tally because of alleged crowd violence in their home draw with Rivers United last month.

    Nasarawa United brought in some newly signed players and they are expected to improve the club’s fortunes in the second stanza. The players must prove that with a win at home to Katsina United who are 13th  with 23 points.

    Abia Warriors will seek to have a double win over 2022 Federation Cup Champions, Bayelsa United when both teams clash at the Umuahia Township Stadium today in a repeat of the last game of the first stanza which Abia Warriors won 1-0 in Yenagoa.

    In Enugu, Rangers International  will host Niger Tornadoes seeking a second straight win over the Ikon Allah Boys today at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium. The Flying Antelopes pipped Tornadoes by a lone goal in Minna and swiftly atoned for the 1-0 home loss to Shooting Stars just a week before the triumph in Minna. This is their first game after the loss to the Oluyole Warriors.

    Ikenne will be on fire today as Sunshine Stars hosts Ikorodu City in another South West derby billed for the Remo Stars Stadium. The Oga Boys who are making their topflight debut this season won the first leg 2-1 through a late penalty kick.

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    Sunshine Stars with Abubakar Bala are 16th on the log with 21 points and need a home win to move out of the relegation zone for good but they will face still opposition from Ikorodu City who ended the first stanza in the sixth spot with 28 points.

    Tomorrow, Heartland FC will trade tackles with Lobi Stars in a repeat of the first stanza’s last game which ended in a goalless draw at the Lafia City Stadium. The Naze Millionaires with some new acquisitions must start the second stanza with a win to endear them to their fans in Owerri and beyond and also show that the team’s struggle of the first stanza was a thing of the past.

    Heartland are 14th  on the log with 22 points and they won’t have it lightly against the Pride of Benue who are 18th with 20 points.

    In another game billed for today, Plateau United will lock horns with Rivers United to complete their devastating form in Port Harcourt which saw them walk away with a 1-1 draw off the jaw of Finidi George led side.

    Rivers United needed a home win to keep pace with Remo Stars at the top of the table in the concluding fixture of the first stanza but they managed to secure a draw in Port Harcourt through a stoppage time goal. They are currently second on the table with 34 points and must avoid a defeat in Jos if they are to stay in close touch of Remo Stars who are above them with two points.

    The Nigeria Premier Football League has shifted three games billed for the weekend to a later date to ensure Enyimba round off their outstanding games and league fixtures are followed sequentially. The fixtures postponed are Kwara United versus Shooting Stars; Kano Pillars versus El Kanemi Warriors and Bendel Insurance versus Enyimba but Kwara United will host Enyimba in Ilorin on Monday in the People’s Elephant’s last game of the first stanza.

    Enyimba suffered their first defeat since October 20th , 2024 with the 2-0 loss to Kano Pillars. They have now won two games, drew seven and lost just one in their last 10 games in the league. Will Kwara United make it two consecutive losses?

  • Remo Stars’ midfielder joins Sudanese club

    Remo Stars’ midfielder joins Sudanese club

    Super Eagles midfielder Jide Fatokun has finalized a transfer to Sudanese side, Al-Merrikh Sporting Club from Remo Stars.

    The player, who currently represents Remo Stars, has signed a two-year contract with the Sudanese club, as reported by the Burundian news outlet (@257foot) on social media.

    Fatokun played a pivotal role in the Super Eagles B team, helping them qualify for the 2024 African Nations Championship.

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    He is anticipated to travel to Cairo shortly to complete the transfer process.

    Due to ongoing political unrest in Sudan, both Al Merrikh and their rivals Al Hilal are presently participating in the Mauritanian Super D1.

    Fatokun has previously played for Sunshine Stars and Kwara United and his move to Sudan is to help Al Merrikh add to the 19 Sudanese Premier League titles they have won.

  • Remo Stars are NPFL halfway kings

    Remo Stars are NPFL halfway kings

    Remo Stars are officially the halfway champions of the on-going  Nigeria Premier Football League season following  after Rivers United were held  in  1-1 draw played at home by Plateau United yesterday in Port Harcourt.

    Remo Stars defeated Akwa United in a tough clash at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne on Sunday to move to the top with 36 points but they could have been overtaken by Rivers United who needed to beat Plateau United 4-0 to achieve that.

    But in  a topsy-turvy duel  at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Plateau United initially had a goal ruled out for foul throw in the build up to the goal. That incident happened in the opening 15 minutes and the cancelled goal was scored by Super Eagles B’s Vincent Temitope.

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    Not done Vincent eventually gave the Peace Boys the lead  in the 51st  minute before the home team barely salvaged points through Handsome Surveyor’s goal deep into injury time of the game.

    The highly temperamental game saw   coaches Finidi George and Mbwas Mangut issued with red card in the 80th  and 113th  minutes respectively.

    Rivers United finished the first stanza in the second spot with 34 points from 19 games. They are two points behind leaders, Remo Stars while Plateau United with 20 points from the same number of games are 16th on the log.

    Today, Enyimba will face Bendel Insurance in another rearranged NPFL Matchday 19 tie.

  • Dogfights across NPFL centres as Ikorodu City dare Remo Stars

    Dogfights across NPFL centres as Ikorodu City dare Remo Stars

    Reigning NPFL  champions, Rangers International,  will go to familiar terrain today as they face the Changi Boys who ended their 10 game unbeaten run last season in Katsina even as  Remo Stars, Heartland  and Kano Pillars all have tough games to negotiate this weekend, writes TUNDE LIADI…

    The 2024-25 Nigeria Premier Football League(NPFL) season  enters  Matchday 17 this weekend with exciting derbies in the South West, South South and North Central while fixtures billed for Katsina, Ibadan, Minna, Owerri and Port Harcourt are also mouth-watering prospects. 

    The weekend’s games start with the North Central derby in Lafia between Lobi Stars and Plateau United at the Lafia City Stadium today. Both teams cancelled out each other in both fixtures last season with the Pride of Benue pinning the Peace Boys 1-0 in Lafia before losing the reverse fixture 2-1 in Jos.

    A lot is at stake this term with both teams at the wrong ends of the table. Nasarawa United pipped Lobi Stars 1-0 in yet another North Central derby last weekend to heap more misery on Dan Amokachi led side who are presently last on the log with pitiable 16 points.

    Plateau United had to dig deep at home before beating battling Heartland FC 3-2 in Jos last weekend. They are 15th  on the log but are only two points better than their weekend’s host who are at the bottom.

    The second game of today’s fixtures is the Shooting Stars versus Kano Pillars tie in Ibadan. The Oluyole Warriors got a rare double win over Sai Masu Gida last season including a late minute goal that sealed a 2-1 victory in Kano and the visitors spearheaded by Ahmed Musa and Shehu Abdullahi will hope to change the narratives this term. Rabiu Ali is unavailable because of his involvement with CHAN Eagles.

    Gbenga Ogunbote-led Shooting Stars secured their first away win of the season last weekend in the 1-0 victory over Sunshine Stars in Ikenne in another South West derby while Kano Pillars managed to beat Katsina United 1-0 also in the North West derby.

    The Oluyole Warriors need another home win to extend their unbeaten streak and also shoot up further than their current fifth spot with 24 points but Sai Masu Gida are on a revenge mission. Can they get it in Ibadan?

    The remaining seven games will hold tomorrow  with Enyimba versus Nasarawa United put on hold because of the former’s CAF Confederation Cup engagement in Maputo, Mozambique against Black Bulls FC this weekend.

    In Katsina, Katsina United will welcome a tough customer to their domain- the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Rangers International FC who are the reigning champions. The same fixture produced seven goals at the same turf on April 7th , 2024 in a last season fixture with the Changi Boys winning that tie 4-3 to end the Flying Antelopes 10 game unbeaten record at the time. The win also halted Rangers International’s eighth game unbeaten record against Katsina United both home and away.

    This term, Rangers are seeking a 10th  game unbeaten streak following their 1-0 win over Rivers United last weekend in Enugu. Chinemerem Ugwueze’s first half goal did the magic at their fortress at the Cathedral and it lifted them to the third spot with 27 points and barely two points behind league leaders, Remo Stars.

    In Maiduguri, El Kanemi Warriors will strive to return to winning ways following winless streak in their last three games when they welcome Abia Warriors who are without their skipper, Augustine Njoku who is on national assignment with the CHAN Eagles. The Borno Army were beaten 2-0 in Ikenne by Remo Stars despite a valiant battle while Abia Warriors managed to dispatch Niger Tornadoes 2-1 in Umuahia.

    In Minna, Niger Tornadoes will slug it out with Sunshine Stars in a game both teams desire the three points.

    Tornadoes lost to Abia Warriors while Sunshine Stars suffered a home defeat to Shooting Stars last weekend and both teams must now sweat to see what they can do to outdo each other. New Sunshine Stars gaffer, Abubakar Bala will face one of his former teams in his first game in charge in a familiar terrain.

    Rivers United and Kwara United tie promises to be action packed in Port Harcourt.

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    This fixture and the return leg in Ilorin produced no goals last season with both ties ending goalless but the Pride of Rivers need the maximum points to return to the top of the table if Remo Stars slip up against Ikorodu City in a South West derby.

    In Yenagoa last season, Bayelsa United versus Akwa United produced eight breath-taking goals at the Samson Siasia Stadium which the home team won 5-3. The Prosperity Boys did the unthinkable beating the Promise Keepers 1-0 in Uyo in the reverse fixture also. The battle is a South South derby but both teams need the result to leave the relegation zone for good.

    Heartland FC are under  pressure to beat Bendel Insurance in Owerri following their stoppage time loss to Plateau United in Jos last weekend. Despite being in 13th  spot with 20 points the Naze Millionaires cannot afford to slumber knowing that they only have  two points between them and the relegation zone.

    Insurance who are 18th  on the log with 16 points picked a valuable draw in Uyo against Akwa United on Monday and they will storm Owerri thinking of further ways to recoup lost points.

    It will be another South West derby in Lagos tomorrow  and it is the first topflight meeting between Ikorodu City and Remo Stars. The Oga Boys may have lost their six game unbeaten run in Yenagoa to Bayelsa United last weekend but Nurudeen Aweroro’s boys have won their last six home games including fixtures with Bendel Insurance, Rivers United, El Kanemi Warriors, Akwa United, Shooting Stars and Lobi Stars who are better teams on paper than the newly promoted side.

    Remo Stars will be without the services of their head coach, Daniel Ogunmodede who is away on national team assignment with the CHAN Eagles but the Sky Blue Stars are aware that only a win will keep them atop the log with their rivals, Rivers United playing at home. Ikorodu City too will return to the third spot if they secure another home win and Rangers lose in Katsina.

  • Remo Stars shoot down 3SC in Ikenne  

    Remo Stars shoot down 3SC in Ikenne  

    .Heartland, Plateau United, Lobi Stars, Katsina United fall

    Remo Stars returned  to the  top  of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following their South West derby win over Shooting Stars in one of Matchday 14 fixtures played yesterday  across nine centres.

    Rivers United are now second on the log with 26 points same as Remo Stars who is ahead of them by virtue of better goals difference despite not losing in Ijebu Ode against Sunshine Stars of Akure.

    Remo Stars battled Shooting Stars in another South West derby coming barely some days after  Ikorodu City. But it was yet another defeat for the Oluyole Warriors in Ikenne with Sikiru Alimi and Olamilekan Adedayo doing the damage in the 45th  and 67th  minutes.

    The win ensured Remo Stars leapfrogged Rivers United who dropped to the second spot despite picking a draw against Sunshine Stars.

    Ikorodu City’s resurgence continued in Lagos after they beat El Kanemi Warriors which  inflicted  on the latter, their second defeat of the season.

    Shola Adelani put the Oga Boys in the driver’s seat in the 62nd  minute before Ayo Cole doubled the advantage in the 77th  minute. Ikorodu City are now fifth on the log with 21 points.

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    In Ijebu Ode, Sunshine Stars came  from behind to force Rivers United to a draw at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium.

     The Pride of Rivers shocked the Owena Whales with the opener after just three minutes through Timothy Zachariah before Promise Awosanmi’s equaliser in the 61st minute.

    In Yenagoa, Bayelsa United flogged Niger Tornadoes 4-1 in a five goal thriller at the Samson Siasia Stadium. The host were 2-0 up inside 23 minutes through Emo James and Wisdom Magbisa before Sadiq Auwal and Rabiu Abdullahi’s goals added gloss to the result. There was still enough time for the Ikon Allah Boys to reduce the goals arrears in the 81st  minute through Williams Sunday.

    The home win has given Ladan Bosso temporary succour as they are now 13th  with 17 points while Tornadoes fell to the ninth with 18 points.

    Reigning champions, Enugu Rangers moved to the third with 23 points after a first half master class guided them to a 3-0 home win over Lobi Stars in Enugu. Frank Uwumiro, Kenneth Igboke and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi were the goals scorers for the Flying Antelopes.

    At the Umuahia Township Stadium, Abia Warriors returned to winning ways following a 2-0 home win over Katsina United. Anthony Ijoma and Adejoh Ojonugwa were on goals scorers for the Umuchineke crooners. The Umuahia side are now 11th as a result of the win with 18 points.

    In Ilorin, Kwara United did just enough to pip Heartland FC 1-0 at the Kwara Sports Complex courtesy of  Emmanuel Ogbole’s 21st minute goal.

    The win lifted Kwara United to the seventh spot with 20 points but Heartland slid a spot down to the 12th  with 17 points ahead of their weekend home game with Nasarawa United in Owerri.

    In Uyo, Akwa United needed a stoppage time goal before beating resilient Plateau United at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

    Friday Apollos’ goal handed the Promise Keepers a precious home win which has taken them to the 17th spot with 15 points.

    RESULTS

    NPFL Matchday 14

    Sunshine Stars 1-1 Rivers United

    Remo Stars 2-0 3SC

    Bayelsa United 4-1 Tornadoes

    Rangers 3-0 Lobi Stars

    Abia Warriors 2-0 Katsina United

    Kwara United 1-0 Heartland

    Akwa United 1-0 Plateau United

    Ikorodu City 2-0 El Kanemi

    Nasarawa United 2-1 Insurance

  • Debutants Remo Stars claim 2024 Sheroes Cup

    Debutants Remo Stars claim 2024 Sheroes Cup

    In a rare display of grit and brilliance, Remo Stars Ladies   yesterday  defeated Abia Angels 6-4 on penalties to lift the 2024 Sheroes Cup at the FIFA Goal Project, Abuja

    Ekozie Dikachi scored a wonderful goal in the 11th  minute putting Abia Angels ahead which they held on tenaciously till the end of the  first half.

    Coming into the pitch in the second half, Remo Stars Ladies played to the instructions of coach Wemimo Mathew  when Kehinde Deborah equalised for the team in the 46th  minute.

    With both teams  tied 1-1 in regulation time, Remo Stars Ladies were more decisive  and eventually carried the day  

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    Earlier, in the third place match, Naija Ratels beat Bayelsa Queens beat Bayelsa Queens 5-4 on penalties. Super substitute, Arit Titus, put the visitors ahead when she scored in the 20th  minute before Nwachukwu Adana levelled the scores for the  hosts, Naija Ratels.

    Meanwhile, Remo Stars Ladies’  Head Coach, Wemimo Mathew was adjudged the best coach of the competition while Abia Angels striker, Lucky Mary was awarded Most Valuable Player.

    Ziporah Ziperrekheke, Naija Ratels striker, emerged the Highest Goal Scorer while Honey Badgers FC won the Fair Play trophy. Remo Stars goalkeeper, Adjei Charlotte won the Best Goalkeeper Award.

  • Sheroes Cup : Bayelsa Queens, Remo Stars, two others  set for  semi-finals

    Sheroes Cup : Bayelsa Queens, Remo Stars, two others  set for  semi-finals

    Bayelsa Queens, Remo Stars Ladies, Naija Ratels and Abia Angels are  the four teams that qualified for the semi-final of the 2024 Sheroes Cup tournament holding in Abuja.

    In Group A, Remo Stars Ladies topped the table with 12 points while Abia Angels who garnered 7 points came second. In Group B, Bayelsa got 10 points to lead the group while Naija Ratels got nine points to come second.

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    For  the semi-final duels holding today, Group A leaders, Remo Stars Ladies will trade tackles with Group B runners-up, Naija Ratels at the Area 3 Playing Ground at 2:00pm while Bayelsa Queens take on Abia Angels in the second semi-final slated for 4:00pm.

    Meanwhile, three matches will hold before the semi-final games. Ekiti Queens will slug it out with Dannaz at 8:00am. Honey Badgers will lock horns with Nazareth Ladies in the second match.

     In the fifth placed playoff, Nasarawa Amazons will slug it out with Heartland Queens at noon. All matches holding at Area 3 Playing Ground, Abuja.

  • They have started again

    They have started again

    The domestic league games here have a pattern where victories are secured on away grounds in its early weeks. The narrative starts to change when the weekly league tables begin to show the likely title contenders, also ran teams and strugglers. By the sixth to the eighth week, matches involving table toppers start to witness diabolic machinations with the home teams striving to maximise their home games by winning them hook or crook.

    Interestingly, Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash involving Remo Stars and Enugu Rangers was expected to live up to its billing with thrills and frills from the fans who savour the sweetness of the beautiful game when played with a sense of purpose. Indeed, the two coaches, Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu are Super Eagles assistant coaches, and their experience at that level was expected to rub off on the way their teams played.

    However, Ilechukwu, voiced out his frustration with Remo Stars manager Daniel Ogunmodede, accusing him of a “win-at-all-cost” mentality which neglected fair play. Ilechukwu criticised Ogunmodede for what he deemed unsportsmanlike conduct, highlighting an incident where a player’s safety was allegedly compromised in the hosts’ quest for victory.

    According to IIlechukwu:  “It’s a significant disappointment, a huge disappointment in Ogunmodede,” Ilechukwu said after the game.

    “There was no fair play, even when a player’s life was at risk. Winning isn’t everything.

    “The two matches we played after exiting the continental competition have shown that there is hope for our aspirations this season.

    “We’ll address the weaknesses we’ve noticed, and I’m confident we’ll bounce back positively,” he said.

    Ilechukwu also expressed dismay at the apparent lack of respect for sportsmanship, a value he believes was crucial to Rangers’ success when they became NPFL champions.

    He suggested that Remo Stars’ win came at the expense of ethical play, which he cannot endorse. “This isn’t how Rangers became champions,” he said.

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    I was pleased with the Remo Stars’ manager, Ogunmodede’s response which showed maturity and one who knew his onions.

    “What do you expect from someone who just lost a big game?” Ogunmodede asked reporters.

    “If he’s happy, then he’s no longer my friend because you have to question his commitment toward his job. You expect him to laugh home after a lot of investment and energy. He’s a workaholic and he put a lot of energy into the game.”

    Unfortunately, watchers of the game here won’t have the opportunity to see the replay of the controversial action which Ilechukwu alleged was compromised, since games aren’t live on television nor are they recorded to be shown on television later in the week as it is with the European leagues.

    Perhaps, if we had such a platform, the situation would have been critically analysed with blames apportioned where necessary.

    Besides, if Ilechukwu’s allegations were seen to be frivolous, he would have been made to apologise and possibly sanctioned to serve as a deterrent to others who would want to toe his path.

    Ilechukwu was, however, optimistic about his team’s prospects, pointing out that: “It was a good game. I think we are starting to find our form. I’m pleased with how my players approached the match today, regardless of the result.”

    On the flipside, the foundation for likely violence at The Cathedral in Enugu when the second round of matches has been tacitly laid by Ilechukwu’s uncouth utterances, except the league organisers invite him to face a disciplinary body. Otherwise, some fans would mark the return leg game between Enugu Rangers and Remo Stars of Ikenne, inside the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.

    The domestic league is literally on fire now that the real owners of the teams are seeing their teams’ placing on the league tables as published by the print and electronic media. One of such owners is the Bayelsa State Deputy Governor who read the riot acts to the government’s soccer boards, the coaches etc,to sit up or face the big axe.

    According to the Deputy Governor,  Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo:  “We have to prepare early for this season. We don’t want a repeat of the experience we had in the last two seasons. We don’t want to hear the excuse of ‘we don’t have the right players.

    “Bosso, I have told you before that the government has given you and other coaches the free hand to assemble and select the best players for our teams.

    “That means management should not interfere with the duties of the coaches. Your business is to resolve issues that affect the team and not to select or field players for the head coaches. You can be involved, but don’t interfere.

    “Let me also warn that, as a government, we don’t want to hear anymore about the issue of sharing match bonuses meant for the players. We will not spare anybody found wanting. Any bonus we give to the players is for the players alone.

  • NPFL: Remo Stars, Enyimba claim  continental tickets in dramatic fashion 

    NPFL: Remo Stars, Enyimba claim  continental tickets in dramatic fashion 

    Remo Stars and Enyimba have grabbed the two remaining spots in the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup while Sporting Lagos and Doma United are the other two teams demoted from the topflight following the conclusion of the 2023-24 Nigeria Premier Football League season with the Matchday 38 fixtures played yesterday.

    Before yesterday’s NPFL final game of the season, Remo Stars and Enyimba needed a home win against Katsina United and Plateau United to maintain status quo as it was before the final day of the season and they duly got it to qualify for the continent for the second straight season..

    The Sky Blue Stars got  2-1 win courtesy of Sodiq Ismail and Dayo Ojo’s first half goals while Michael Ibe’s goal 14 minutes from time for his 10th  goal of the season was only a consolation goal for the Changi Boys.

    Meanwhile, Enyimba defeated Plateau United in Aba  through two late goals scored by Chijioke Mbaoma and Alade Balogun.

    The Peace Boys held their host in the first half and threatened to steal a point in Aba before Mbaoma’s 17th  goal of the season paved the way for another return to the continent. 

    The striker also ended the season as the highest scorer scoring two more goals more than Sikiru Alimi of Remo Stars who finished second with 15 goals. 

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    Despite certain to finish the season as champions, Enugu Rangers still went to Jos with their full arsenals ahead of their fixture with relegated Gombe United

     The Flying Antelopes scored twice in the opening seven minutes through Kazeem Ogunleye and Godwin Obaje who bagged his 12th  goal of the season. Enugu Rangers finished the season with 70 points while Gombe United were last with 25 points.

    In Ilorin, Kwara United thrashed Heartland FC 4-0 to end the season in 13th  spot with 51 points. Muhammed Alao, Wasiu Alalade, Emmanuel Ogbole and Godwin Oshagbemi scored the goals for the Harmony Boys. 

    In the meantime, Akwa United outwitted Rivers United 3-1 in Uyo to miraculously escape the relegation zone on the final day of the season in 16th  spot with 49 points. Ubong Friday netted twice to hit double digit figure with 11 goals while Sani Suleiman got the other goal. 

    It has his 11th  goal of the season also. Nyima Nwagua reduced the deficit for the Pride of Rivers who ended the season in eighth spot with 53 points.

    Niger Tornadoes will have another season in the elite division after they managed a 2-1 win over Sunshine Stars at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna. Ikon Allah Boys’ highest scorer Bashir Usman opened the scores with his 12th goal of the season before Clinton Jephta second goal for his eighth goal of the season. The Owena Whales got one back through Lucky Nwafor who got lucky to poke the ball into the net from close range. Tornadoes finished the season in 14th spot with 51 points while Sunshine Stars ended the campaign in 10th spot with 52 points.

    In Kano, Kano Pillars barely survived a late comeback against Lobi Stars after going three goals up through Adamu Musa’s double and Nura Ibrahim’s goal. The Pride of Benue scored twice in the second half but Sai Masu Gida held on to secure the three points. They finished the season in 11th spot with 52 points. Lobi Stars ended the season in sixth spot with 58 points. 

    In Benin City, Bayelsa United saved their best for last winning their second away game of the season against Bendel Insurance at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. 

    Ekeson Okorie and Tekena Garando’s first half goals were enough to keep the Prosperity Boys in the topflight beyond this season. They finished 15th  with 50 points while Insurance who were already insured before that day ended the season in ninth spot with 53 points. 

    Shooting Stars agonisingly finished the season in fourth spot and missed out on continental tickets just by the whiskers.as Gbenga Ogunbote’s wards beat Sporting Lagos 1-0 through Christian Pyagbara’s first half strike for his 10th goal of the season. \

    In Gombe, Doma United were held to a 1-1 draw by President Federation Cup finalist, Abia Warriors at the Pantami Stadium. Meme Okike put the Umuahia side in the ascendancy in the 31st minute but the Savannah Tigers equalised three minutes into the second half.

  • Will Remo Stars be third time lucky with NPFL title?

    Will Remo Stars be third time lucky with NPFL title?

    As the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) 2024 season wraps up, Remo Stars  who were  third in 2022, second in 2023 are a strong contender for the league trophy this term.

    Remo Stars’  journey has been remarkable over the last two seasons. Each year, they have fought gallantly, getting stronger each season. Having built on their impressive third-place finish in 2022 and a tantalisingly second place in 2023, the team’s trajectory suggests a club on the cusp of greatness, with a clear upward trend that fans and their coach hope will culminate in a championship title this year.

    A historical opportunity beckons. Remo Stars’ coach, Daniel Ogunmodede, fuelled by the team’s consistent improvement over the past two seasons, believes this could be their year to clinch the elusive NPFL title. The team has shown steady progress, and the coach sees this as their golden opportunity to reach the summit of Nigerian football finally.

    The stats speak volumes of their potential: Remo Stars have an excellent home record, with 17 wins out of 18 games, showcasing their stronghold at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne-Remo in Ogun State. Their overall form is marked by 19 wins, 5 draws, and 12 losses, placing them at 62 points, two points shy of league leaders Enugu Rangers.

    Coach Daniel Ogunmodede’s strategy has been clear: build a fortress at home and be resilient on the road. The team’s ability to score goals, averaging 0.7 goals per away game forms the backbone of their title challenge. Forward, Sikiru Alimi has been on fire this season with fifteen goals and is a strong contender for the Golden Boot award.

    The 2024 season has seen Remo Stars display a brand of football that is both exciting and effective. Their recent 4-1 victory over Heartland Owerri is a testament to their attacking flair and resilience. However, losses like the 3-2 away defeat to Lobi Stars serve as a reminder that the NPFL is a competitive league where any team can be a stumbling block.

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    The team’s performance has not gone unnoticed, with media coverage and fan engagement at an all-time high. Broadcast partner StarTimes has ensured that the excitement of the NPFL, and particularly the rise of Remo Stars, reaches a wide audience.

    As we approach the business end of the season, Remo Stars find themselves in a strong position to claim their first NPFL title. The question on every fan’s mind is whether they can maintain their form and handle the pressure of being top contenders. If they can continue their current trajectory, Remo Stars could very well be lifting the NPFL trophy, completing a remarkable journey from third to first in just three seasons.

    The next few matches will be crucial, only league leaders Enugu Rangers can deny them their shine, but one thing is certain: Remo Stars are no longer dark horses—they are genuine title contenders.

    Tomorrow, Remo Stars will be away to Southwest Neighbours, Sunshine Stars and will host Katsina United in their last season match on June 23.