Two stoppage time goals from Aniekeme Okon secured a pulsating 2-0 victory for Remo Stars against southwest rivals Sunshine Stars in Ikenne on Sunday, as Daniel Ogunmodede’s side maintained their lead in the Nigeria Premier Football League after match-day 17, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Sunshine Stars kept their hosts at bay for most of the game but were denied a point in the closing stages by Okon, who scored from a goalmouth scramble off a corner kick before calmly dribbling past the goalkeeper for his brace.
The win ensured Remo, who have 32 points after 17 games keep their goal difference lead on top of the table, having also claimed a 100 per cent record in southwest derbies so far this season. The Sky Blue Stars have previously beaten 3SC and Sporting Lagos in Ikenne earlier this season.
Lobi Stars are keeping up the pressure on top of the table after grabbing a vital 2-0 win away from home against Kwara United in Ilorin. A 21st-minute own goal by Godwin Oshagbemi put Lobi Stars in front while the visitors compounded their hosts’ headache before halftime with another goal courtesy of Stanley Oganbor. The hosts had the chance to get a lifeline from the spot in the second half, but Paul Samson couldn’t convert from 12 yards.
With two outstanding games, Enyimba also moved three points within the top spot after a 2-0 win over Sporting Lagos in Aba. Eze Ekwutoziam put the champions up with a 31st-minute penalty before second-half substitute Elijah Akanni added the second in stoppage time. The defeat saw the newly promoted side drop to the relegation zone with 17 points from 16 matches.
In Kano, second-half goals from Abdullahi Haruna and Abdullahi Musa helped Kano Pillars came from a goal down to beat Plateau United 2-1. Albert Hilary scored first for the visitors in the first half with his eighth goal of the season.
Meanwhile, 3SC recorded their first win in seven matches, beating Bayelsa United 1-0 just as Akwa United also ended their three-game winless run with a comprehensive 3-1 win over Abia Warriors. The win was enough to power Akwa a point above the drop zone with 18 points from 17 games.
The game between Niger Tornadoes and Heartland ended in a thrilling 3-2 win for the hosts.
Contact: [email protected]
