Nigeria Leagues
NPFL MD4 Wrap: Remo Stars end Sporting Lagos unbeaten to claim top spot
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Remo Stars came from behind to pip Sporting Lagos 2-1 to move to the top of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table in the South-West derby on Sunday.
The Sky Blue Stars had to come from behind after Jonathan Alukwu’s opener for the visitors in the 21st minute at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, on Sunday.
Kwame Mawuena equalised for the host ten minutes later before Alimi Sikiru’s penalty in the 48th minute.
The clash marked the first between the two South West based teams in the country’s topflight.
Elsewhere, Ahmed Jimoh’s 51st-minute goal sealed a 1-0 win for Gombe United against Bendel Insurance which also ended the unbeaten run of the Benin Arsenals.
Katsina United forced Heartland FC to a 1-1 draw as Michael Okoro’s 83rd-minute goals canceled out an own goal which gave the host the lead.
In Kano, Rabiu Ali’s goal in the additional minutes of the second half lifted Kano Pillars to a 1-0 win over ten-man Rivers United as Anthony Ohaegbu was sent off for his second bookable offence.
In Ilorin, Kwara United forced Enugu Rangers to a 1-1 draw at the Kwara Sports Complex.
Kazeem Ogunleye opened the scoring for Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side with a superbly taken free kick in the 34th minute.
Mohammed Alao equalised for the Harmony Boys from another set piece in the 53rd minute.
First-half goals from Liman Ahmadu and Alao Dabani sealed a 2-0 win for Lobi Stars against Abia Warriors.
Albert Hilary was the hero as he scored the winner for Plateau United to secure a 1-0 win over Sunshine Stars.
Akwa United and Shooting Stars Sports Club played out a 0-0 draw.
On Saturday, Nigeria Tornadoes pipped Bayelsa United 1-0 thanks to Bala Yahuza’s goal.
Overall, Remo Stars moved to the top of the log with nine points, a point ahead of Lobi Stars.
Enugu Rangers and Shooting Stars with seven points each occupy the third and fourth positions.
Bendel Insurance, Gombe United, Niger Tornadoes, Plateau United, Kano Pillars, and Abia Warriors have six points apiece.
Sporting Lagos, Kwara United, and Katsina United with five points occupy the 11th to 13th places.
Doma United, Rivers United, and Sunshine Stars have four points while Heartland FC, Enyimba FC, and Bayelsa United have three points.
Akwa United seats in the bottom of the table with two points.
