The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Remo Stars

  • Anxiety grips Sporting Lagos, Remo Stars as Oriental Derby comes alive

    Anxiety grips Sporting Lagos, Remo Stars as Oriental Derby comes alive

    This weekend in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is set to be a nail-biter for Sporting Lagos, Enyimba, and Remo Stars, as crucial away fixtures could significantly impact their respective campaigns.

    NPFL airs live on Beta Sports channel 244 on StarTimes. This weekend both the Lobi Stars vs Remo Stars and Enugu Rangers vs Enyimba will be televised live at 3 pm and 5pm respectively tomorrow.

    Sporting Lagos, currently occupying the 17th  position, will travel to face Bayelsa United, who sit just below them in the relegation zone, thanks to goal difference. Both teams are level on 42 points, making this a high-stakes encounter in the fight to avoid relegation.

    The historical trend of poor away performances in the NPFL this season adds another layer of uncertainty to Sporting Lagos’ prospects.

    Third-placed Remo Stars face a tough challenge away to Lobi Stars. Despite their strong position in the league, Remo Stars have struggled on their travels this season. A poor result could derail their hopes of overtaking Enyimba and Enugu Rangers at the top of the table, especially if those two teams play out a draw.

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    Enugu Rangers will be hoping to solidify their position at the top of the table but face a tricky opponent. The reigning champions, Enyimba, are hot on their heels and could capitalise on any slip-up.

    This weekend’s fixtures promise to be a pivotal moment in the NPFL season. The outcome of these matches could have a major impact on the title race, the battle for continental qualification, and the fight for survival. It will be a weekend of high drama and tension as the season reaches its climax.

  • Remo Stars won’t give up on title race, says Ogunmodede

    Remo Stars won’t give up on title race, says Ogunmodede

    Head coach, Remo Stars, Daniel Ogunmodede has revealed  that the Sky Blue Stars would not be deterred by their defeat to Kwara United in Ilorin last weekend.  

    The Sky Blue Boys suffered a 3-2 defeat to Kwara United in the matchday 33 tie of the league played in Ilorin which has caused a setback to the club’s ambition to win the league title.

    Reacting to the loss, Ogunmodede said his boys would learn from their mistakes and be better prepared for their next league game this weekend.

    “We will not give up. We will keep fighting to the end. We knew it wouldn’t be easy, but we’ll learn from our mistakes and come back stronger,” he said after the game.

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     “The only disappointment is that we were unable to get the maximum three points. We planned for the win, but unfortunately, we couldn’t get our desired results.

    ” That is the only disappointment. I understand there is no excuse for failure; if not, I would have been talking about the abrupt break we had for a month, so you expect a team to come back and give it their best—it’s impossible.

     “But nevertheless, it was a good fight. Kwara United took advantage of their early goal; you know this is a team who had the luck of playing about two matches during the holidays, which tells of their match fitness, and the early goal gave them a lot of confidence. We were struggling; they took advantage again and scored their second goal before the whistle sounded for the second half.”

  • NPFL: Remo Stars hold Gombe United to retain third spot

    NPFL: Remo Stars hold Gombe United to retain third spot

    Remo Stars remained third with 46 points from 27 games following their goalless draw at Gombe United yesterday in the first game of the Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 28 fixtures.

    The Desert Scorpions who remained in the drop zone could not break through a defensive minded Sky Blue Stars who had wanted to secure all the maximum points to boost their league title aspirations.

    The remaining Matchday 28 games come up today except the tie in Port Harcourt between Rivers United and Katsina United because of the former’s CAF Confederation Cup engagement.

    In Umuahia, Abia Warriors face Plateau United while Bayelsa United are at home to Heartland FC in Yenagoa.

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    Enugu Rangers will go for another important victory when they host stubborn Sunshine Stars in Enugu. Enyimba are at home to Kano Pillars as they seek return to winning ways following their back to back losses to Kwara United and Abia Warriors in the Abia State FA Cup final.

    Shooting Stars will slug it out with neighbours Kwara United while Sporting Lagos hosts Lobi Stars at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.

    Bendel Insurance and Niger Tornadoes will lock horns in Benin while Akwa United and Doma United will entertain each other in another league tie in Uyo.

    Enugu Rangers continue to dictate the league’s pace at the top with 48 points while Lobi Stars are second with 47 points. Remo Stars and Enyimba are third and fourth with 46 and 45 points.

  • NPFL: Remo Stars return to the top as second stanza begins

    NPFL: Remo Stars return to the top as second stanza begins

    Remo Stars have reclaimed the leadership of the Nigeria Premier Football League from Lobi Stars, albeit on goals difference after they pulled a draw in Aba against Abia Warriors as the 2023-24 season’s second stanza took off in style.

    But in Jos, Plateau United shot to the fourth spot with 34 points after  their 10th  consecutive home win of the season with a 2-1 win over Lobi Stars yesterday.

     Umar Bala Mohammed put the Peace Boys in the lead in the 41st  minute before Albert Hilary increased  the tally in the 54th  minute while he Pride of Benue halved the deficit through Kumaga Suur two minutes after Hilary’s strike.

    The defeat saw Lobi slipped to the second spot on goals difference despite having the same number of points (36) with Remo Stars.

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    Remo Stars ensured their  visits to Aba this season didn’t end in a defeat after they got a goalless draw against Abia Warriors following  that  famous win over Enyimba in the first stanza. The sole point got restored the Sky Blue Stars to the top of the league table on better goals difference ahead of Lobi Stars.

    Meanwhile, Enyimba pipped  Shooting Stars 1-0 in Aba through Mbaoma Chijioke’s strike to complete a double over the Oluyole Warriors having won 2-1 in Ibadan in the last game of the first stanza. The People’s Elephant moved to the third spot a point off the top two while Shooting Stars slipped to 12th with 26 points.

    Kano Pillars played a could have returned to Kano with the three points from Owerri  but for fantastic saves from Darlintin Ovunda of Heartland FC and a late acrobatic strike from Malachi Ohawume.

     Pillars who scored first in the game through Ibrahim Mustapha in the 38th  minute are fifth on the log with 33 points.

    In Port Harcourt, Doma United are facing the hard reality of life in the second stanza after they were beaten 3-2 by Rivers United.

    Rivers United’s Nyima Nwagua became the fourth player to score a hat trick this season  but the Savannah Tigers almost ruined his efforts as  Bidemi Owoku and Hilary Ekawu both scored for the visitors.

    The return of Kennedy Boboye for a second stint at Sunshine Stars as head coach could not deliver three points after the Owena Whales were held to a 1-1 draw by Kwara United at the Ondo Sports Complex, Akure.

    At the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, Enugu Rangers survived with a late penalty kick to beat Akwa United 1-0.

    The Flying Antelopes are seventh with 31 points while Akwa United are in 16th  spot with 21 points.

    Sporting Lagos made it consecutive wins for the first time in recent times following a 1-0 win over Bendel Insurance  at their Mobolaji Johnson Arena home.

    Tochukwu Michael with the only goal in the 56th  minute on his debut for the Noisy Lagosians. The win lifted Sporting Lagos to the 13th spot with 24 points while Bendel Insurance are in eighth with 30 points.

    Bayelsa United eased off their relegation worries with a 2-0 home win over Gombe United while Katsina United’s Andrew Idoko’s late strike handed them the maximum points at home to Niger Tornadoes.

  • NPFL Showdown: Remo Stars, Lobi Stars battle Live on Beta Sports

    NPFL Showdown: Remo Stars, Lobi Stars battle Live on Beta Sports

    Naija football lovers should brace themselves for a heart-stopping clash as league leaders Remo Stars lock horns with the fiery Lobi Stars in a top-of-the-table NPFL encounter.

    This battle for top of the league spot will kick off on Thursday at 4:00 PM, and football fans across the nation won’t miss a single second as the match will be televised live on Beta Sports channel 244 on StarTimes.

    This isn’t just a game; it’s a battle for supremacy. Both teams have been on fire this season, with Remo Stars showcasing their offensive prowess and Lobi Stars boasting a rock-solid defence. The air will crackle with anticipation as these two titans go head-to-head, promising a spectacle of attacking brilliance and tactical masterclass.

    Both teams currently sit on twenty-six with Remo Stars topping with goal difference.

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    Fans will witness every ounce of passion and skill live on Beta Sports Channel, available on channel 244 on StarTimes. It’s expected to be an electrifying atmosphere as Remo Stars fight to maintain their lead, while Lobi Stars claw their way back into the title race.

    This clash isn’t just about points and trophies; it’s about bragging rights and national pride. Both teams boast passionate fan bases, and the stadium will be a cauldron of cheering voices and vibrant colours.

    Naija fans will witness the raw energy of Nigerian football and feel the pulse of the nation through this extraordinary encounter.

    Meanwhile, Manchester City, the orchestra of Guardiola, conductor of a thousand passes, face their final movement in the FIFA Club World Cup championship. But in their path stands Fluminense, the Samba Symphony, fresh from a victory against mighty Al Ahly! The FIFA Club World Cup final will air live on StarTimes Sports Premium Channel at 9 pm on Friday.

  • Remo Stars: Enoh affirms support for private investment in sports

    Remo Stars: Enoh affirms support for private investment in sports

    Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh,  has emphasized the crucial role of private investment in the growth and sustainability of sports in the country.

    He said as much  during  a significant visit to the home of Remo Stars Football Club In Ikenne, Ogun State on Saturday as he was led by the President of the club, Hon. Kunle Soname on a comprehensive tour of the club’s state-of-the-art facilities.

    Senator Enoh expressed his admiration for the impressive infrastructure and facilities at Remo Stars, highlighting the club’s dedication to providing a world-class environment for its players and staff. He commended Hon. Soname and the entire management team for their commitment to the development of football in Nigeria.

    “The government alone cannot carry the weight of sports development, and that is why we need more private investors like Remo Stars Football Club,” the Minister stated. “I am impressed by the commitment of Hon. Kunle Soname and his team, and I assure you that the Ministry of Sports Development will actively encourage and support private investment in sports across the nation.”

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     Soname expressed gratitude for the Minister’s visit and reiterated the club’s commitment to contributing to the overall development of sports in Nigeria, saying  the facilities are open to junior national teams for camping of players anytime  even as he lauded Senator Enoh for being the first minister to visit the club’s facilities since it was launched.

    The visit concluded with both parties engaging in a fruitful discussion about potential collaborations, initiatives, and policy frameworks that could further enhance the sports landscape in Nigeria.

  • Double jeopardy as Enyimba, Remo Stars exit Champions League

    Double jeopardy as Enyimba, Remo Stars exit Champions League

    Nigeria’s two representatives in the CAF Champions League, Enyimba and Remo Stars have both crashed out of the competition at the first hurdle following their defeat to Al Ahly Benghazi of Libya and Medeama SC of Ghana yesterday in Aba and Ikenne respectively.

    Enyimba playing before their fans at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba were unable to bridge a watertight defence of the Libyan side who came to the return leg tie with a pattern to frustrate out the People’s Elephant’s game plan and it worked.

    The Finidi George-tutored lads created several scoring opportunities but they were not coordinated in the attack which they paid for at the end of the game as it ended goalless.

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    The first leg of the first round tie had ended 4-3 in favour of Al Ahly Benghazi of Libya and a 1-0 win in Aba would have been enough for a place in the next round but it was not to be as they were bundled out of the competition.

    Enyimba will now concentrate on domestic and the African Football League competitions.

    At the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, Remo Stars were also bundled out of the competition in the first round after losing 3-2 on penalties to Ghanaian side, Medeama SC.

    The Sky Blue Stars lost the first leg by a lone goal but were unable to break a tough Medeama SC defence in the first half.

    Second half began in the same order until they got the equaliser under a fortune circumstances in the 72nd minute. There was a corner kick floated into the visitors’ 18 yard box but under pressure, Medeama SC goalkeeper fumbled the ball into his own net.

    It became the only legitimate goal of the contest after the referee ruled out Samuel Anakwe’s 94th minute strike as offside.

    The game went to penalty shootouts and Medeama SC triumphed 3-2 and have progressed to the next round.

    Only Bendel Insurance were successful on the continent last weekend out of the three teams that represented Nigeria. With the Benin Arsenals Qualifying after penalty shootouts against Algeria’s ASO Chlef in Algiers on Saturday in the CAF Confederation Cup.

    No Nigerian team again in the CAF Champions League but Bendel Insurance and Rivers United who drew bye to the next round will continue to hoist Nigeria’s flag in the CAF Confederation Cup.

  • Conde confident Remo Stars ‘ll stop Medeama

    Conde confident Remo Stars ‘ll stop Medeama

    Remo Stars official Thiago Conde has stressed that the Sky Blue Stars lost 1-0 to Ghanaian side, Medeama SC because the players were tensed in the opening 20 minutes of the CAF Champions League first round, first leg tie played at Gold Coast Stadium,  last weekend.

    He said when the Sky Blue Stars became settled, they were unable to convert the chances that came their way.

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    Conde expressed his conviction That Remo Stars would turn the table when the second leg comes up on Sunday at Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne.

    “The game was of two different parts. In the opening 15 minutes we started a bit anxious and not too long after conceded a goal. We had clear chances after that. In the second half we started better and had two clear chances but unfortunately we were unable to convert it,” Conde told journalists in Cape Coast.

    “It was a one goal deficit  and we shall go back home to work on what we can do to get the goals that will take the team to the next round,” he added.

  • Gold Cup: Kwara Utd, Remo Stars win, Lobi Stars lose

    Nigeria’s representative in the CAF Champions League, Lobi Stars of Makurdi recorded its first defeat at the ongoing Gold Cup Tourney by losing  1-0 to ‘Giant-killers’ Cynosure FC at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure on Friday.
    Lobi Stars who had defeated FC Ebedei 1-0 in its opening game on Thursday, bowed to Cynosure, no thanks to a 20 yard superb strike by Saviour Francis in the 55th minute.
    A brace by Segun Alebiosu and a goal by Ebenezer Odeyemi ensured that Kwara United began their campaign on a winning note by beating Almar FC 2-1 in the other encounter earlier in the game.

    Alebiosu opened his goal account in the 12th minute of the encounter. The potent striker had connected well with Owoansaya’s assist, rounded the goalkeeper and buried the ball in back of the net.

    Odeyemi then doubled the lead eight minutes later after being set up by Alebiosu. Valentine Nwabili pulled one back for Almar FC in the 43rd minute before Alebiosu made it three with a powerful strike after receiving a lovely pass from

    Samsudeen Hashimu.

    Remo Stars defeated Phoenix ACF with two first half goals scored by Kingsley Akemini and Adebogun Omotayo.
    It took The Sky Blues Stars 16 minutes to record the first goal of the game after Akemini received a brilliant pass from Bolaji Michael to put the ball past Phoenix ACF goalkeeper.
    MFM FC were however held to a goalless draw by FC Ebedei in the last game of the day.
  • Sunshine stars whip Ifeanyi Ubah, escapes relegation

    Sunshine stars whip Ifeanyi Ubah, escapes relegation

     Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure on Sunday boosted their chances of escaping the drop from the 2016/2017 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) by whipping FC Ifeanyi Ubah of Nnewi 4-0.

    In a week 37 match played at the Dipo Dina International Stadium in Ijebu-Ode, Ajibade Otegbeye opened scoring in the 17th minute from the penalty kick spot.

    Defender Kelechi Ogor found the back of the net twice, in the 51st and 71st minutes, to put the game beyond the visiting team.

    Substitute Tope Orelope confirmed Sunshine Stars’ dominance with a sublime strike in the 80th minute.

    Sunshine Stars will on Match Day 38 travel to Sagamu to face already-relegated Remo Stars for their last game of the season.

    Meanwhile, the Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu who was at Ijebu-Ode, has expressed his delight and satisfaction with the performance of Sunshine Stars in the game against FC IfeanyiUbah.

    Akeredolu said he was now optimistic that Sunshine Stars would not only avoid relegation but were on course to win the Aiteo Cup with such performance.

    Also, the state’s new Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, expressed optimism that the team would have a better outing next season.