NPFL Super Six: Remo Stars pip Insurance to secure first ever Caf Champions League slot

By Wale Mustapha

Qudus Akanni’s first half goal was all Remo Stars needed to secure a first ever CAF Champions League ticket following a 1-0 win over Insurance in the Nigeria Premier Football League, Super Six playoffs in Lagos on Sunday.

The second encounter of the final day at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan saw the Sky Blue Stars controlled most parts of the encounter which earned them their first ever victory over Insurance.

First real chance of the match went to Insurance as Osarenkhoe Imade outwits Nduka Junior on his way to the flank, his delivery went in right direction but Ismael Seriki arrived late to poke home.

Remo got sense of that and they went all out in response before a breakthrough in the 36th minute when Amas Obasogie parried Seun Ogunribigbe’s cross to the path of Qudus Akanni who placed it well into bottom left corner.

It would hava being a brace for Akanni two minutes after when another of Ogunribigbe’s cross was not dealt with allowing the former to reach there but was denied by the crossbar. The follow up rebound from Boniface Nwaeze was later parried out by keeper Obasogie.

It was all about Remo till the end of first half and they didn’t leave their legs off the gas on resumption knowing that a second goal and keeping a clean sheet would earn them the title or the second CAF Champions League slot.

However, Insurance grew more to the game and almost dash Remo’s hopes of returning to continental football but Kayode Bankole and his rear guards were on hand to ward the threats.

Regardless of the outcome between Enyimba and Rivers United, Remo Stars are guaranteed a second spot in the NPFL Super Six, with the pair are tied at eight points apiece but Enyimba is ahead on goal difference.

As it is stands, either of Enyimba or Rivers United must win their encounter to guarantee winning the trophy, while the loser picks a CAF Confederation Cup ticket.

If Enyimba and Rivers United draw, then Enyimba wins the league and Rivers United will finish third.

Rivers United must beat Enyimba to guarantee retaining the trophy and CAF Champions League ticket.