A tantalizing southwest derby awaits Nigerian Premier League fans on Sunday in Ikenne when Remo Stars hosts highflying Sporting Lagos at the Remo Stars Stadium, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Both teams are meeting for the first time in the NPFL and the Sky Blue Stars will be aiming to record an historic league win over Sporting Lagos – a result which will end The Noisy Lagosians unbeaten streak this season.
For the host, they will be brimming in confident of bagging consecutive league wins — their third win of the campaign) after they recorded their first away win of the season against Bayelsa United in Yenagoa courtesy of goals from Adams Olamilekan and Sikiru Alimi.
Since Sporting Lagos gained promotion to the topflight in June, both teams have clashed three times with the visitors leading in the head-to-head record.
The Lagos-based side defeated Remo Stars twice – in the group stage of the Naija Super8 pre-season tournament as well as in the final in Lagos while Sky Blue Stars only win was at Ikenne during the Value Jet pre-season tournament.
Speaking ahead of the game, goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, who was an unused substitute in their win in Yenagoa believes another vitory against a top contender in Sporting Lagos will keep their NPFL title dreams alive.
“We are getting ready for Sunday’s derby against, Sporting Lagos and another win is what we hope for,” Bankole said.
“It is not going to be easy but I believe that we will win.”
For Paul Offor’s side, they are winless and have failed to score in their last two games against Doma United and Akwa United despite creating several chances. Their aim will look to end their poor run in the feisty derby in Ikenne.
“We have a good team and we will give our 100 per cent in the game. Our goal is to win games one at a time, and if we do that we’ll be at a great place at the end of the season.”
At the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, Heartland will leave no margin to error in ensuring they secure their first win of the campaign when they host Katsina United.
The Naze Millionaires sit 19th in the NPFL log having recorded two draws and a defeat.
Heartland coach, Christian Obi, said ahead of the game, “It was a good fight in Akure and the praise goes to the players and everyone at the club.
“We do not have any reason to complain other than to ensure we beat Katsina United and record our long-awaited first win of the season.
“We have had enough time to train very well and bond together. The injured players are returning and we are in high spirits to play the game. We have told the players that only a win would be ideal after the impressive point against the Sunshine Stars. We can’t miss this chance.”
Heartland FC are on a three-game unbeaten streak against the Chanji Boys since 2021.
At the Eket stadium, fifth-placed Shooting Stars face a daunting task recording their first league win away since April when they travel to Akwa Ibom to face Akwa United.
The Oluyole Warriors last win away from home was against Kwara United in Ilorin. Gbenga Ogunbote’s side in search of the second straight win this season will hope to compound the woes of the Promise Keepers who are without a win this season after three games.
Leaders Bendel Insurance aiming to maintain a hundred per cent record of a perfect start to the new season when they face Gombe United in their first away game of the season at the Pantami stadium in Gombe.
The Benin Arsenals, like they did last season when they took the NPFL by storm on return from the second division, finishing the abridged season without suffering defeat, have again started the 2023/24 league season on a sound footing.
Insurance FC lead the log with six points and three goals without conceding a goal after playing two games at home.
Speaking ahead of their matchday four clash, the stand-in captain, Amas Obasogie insisted that reigning Federation Cup winners is capable of getting good results in Gombe.
“We take each game as it comes, expecting good results whether we are playing at home or away. We know how tough Gombe United are and we are ready to fight for a good result. Every team hopes for good result but sometimes it doesn’t happen that way and that does not mean that they are a bad side.”
In other fixtures, Enugu Rangers will host Kwara United while Plateau United takes on Sunshine Stars. Rivers United will also battle Kano Pillars in a tricky fixture away in Kano.
