NPFL: Remo Stars, Rivers United, Plateau Record Wins

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) reigning champions, Remo Stars fought back from behind to claim a hard-fought 2-1 win over El Kanemi Warriors in Abeokuta on Monday, snapping a five-match losing streak across all competitions.

The reigning NPFL champions looked headed for another disappointing outing after Jonas Emmanuel nodded El Kanemi in front in the 58th minute. The visitors had defended resolutely throughout the first half, frustrating the Sky Blue Stars despite their dominance in possession and chances created.

Victor Mbaoma came closest before the break, rattling the crossbar in added time, while Olamilekan Adedayo and Adama Goita both saw their long-range efforts kept out by the inspired El Kanemi goalkeeper.

Against the run of play, Emmanuel’s header from a corner put the visitors in front, silencing the home crowd. With head coach Daniel Ogunmodede away on Super Eagles duty in Morocco, his assistant Sulaimon Kamil took charge and responded with bold attacking substitutions, introducing Haruna Hadi and Samson Olasupo. The pair added energy and urgency to Remo’s attack as the hosts pushed for a way back.

Their breakthrough came three minutes from time when Mbaoma was brought down inside the box. The striker stepped up and calmly converted the penalty to level the score.

With the momentum firmly in their favour, Remo poured forward in stoppage time, and their persistence paid off when El Kanemi’s goalkeeper failed to hold a cross. The rebound dropped kindly to Michael Ibe, who smashed home the winner in the 95th minute to complete a stunning turnaround.

The victory lifted Remo Stars to 16th on the table with 13 points and two games in hand. It was their first league win in over a month, and they will look to build on it when they welcome Enugu Rangers to Abeokuta on Thursday.

Elsewhere, Rivers United edged Kun Khalifat 1-0 away, courtesy of Maclyn Biokpo’s 78th-minute goal, a result that pushed Finidi George’s men into the top four on 20 points, three behind leaders Nasarawa United with a game in hand.

At the New Jos Stadium, Plateau United continued their fine form with a 1-0 win over Bendel Insurance, thanks to Saka Gafar’s strike early in the second half.

The defeat stretched Insurance’s winless run to seven matches, piling pressure on new coach Kennedy Boboye as the Benin side slipped to 19th on the log.

Source: Naijanews