NPFL: Remo Stars' return to Ikenne with a win after losing seven games in a row
Remo Stars marked their return to Ikenne on Sunday with a 2-0 win over Katsina United, securing their second win of the year in the process as their relegation battle intensifies.
Haruna Hadi was the hero for the Sky Blue Stars, as his quick brace signalled the start of a new era under coach Usman Abdallah, who was appointed as the club’s new gaffer last Thursday.
After a goalless first half, Hadi broke the deadlock in the 60th minute, sneaking the ball past the visitors’ goalkeeper after meeting a line-breaking pass from Albert Korvah.
Two minutes later, he doubled the lead, turning home a layoff from Victor Mbaoma.
The victory was Remo Stars’ first in eight matches. They had not won since beating Ikorodu City 1-0 in a tense South-West derby on January 14.
Coincidentally, that derby marked their return to Ikenne since the end of last season due to renovation works. However, they were later banished to Ibadan and then Akure following incidents of violence that trailed their last home win in January.
During that period, they lost five matches and drew two before ending the winless run on Sunday.
The result lifts the reigning champions to 18th place on the table with 30 points from 28 matches. Kwara United and Kun Khalifat sit below them with 29 points each, while Kano Pillars are just above them with 32 points.
Elsewhere, 2024 champions Rangers International temporarily moved to the top of the table after first-half goals from Godwin Obaje and Chidiebere Nwobodo secured a 2-0 win over Nasarawa United in Enugu.
In Yenagoa, captain Temple Emekayi’s own goal condemned Rivers United to their third defeat, as they dropped to second place with 46 points, one behind Rangers, who have three outstanding matches.
Alex Oweilayefa scored a hat-trick while Wisdom Udom added another as Bendel Insurance hammered Ikorodu City 4-0 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.
There is still no reprieve for nine-time champions Enyimba, who were held to a 1-1 draw by bottom-placed Kun Khalifat in Aba. James Ekebuike had given the visitors the lead in the 38th minute before Ekene Awazie rescued a point for the Aba giants in the 85th minute.
Shooting Stars SC also returned to Ibadan on Sunday and marked it with a 2-1 win over Kano Pillars, dropping the Sai Masu Gida back into the relegation zone.
