NPFL: Super-sub Andy Okpe’s late strike hands Remo Stars victory at Gombe United

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Remo Stars secured a 1-0 victory over Gombe United in a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) encounter at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe State on Wednesday.

Second half goals from Christian Molokwu and substitute Andy Okpe helped the Sky Blue Stars edged Gombe United as the visitors recorded back-to-back wins in its opening two games of the 2022/2023 NPFL season.

Gombe United started the match with Itodo Akor, Rahman Olarewaju, Alege Abdulquadri, Usman Abbas, Christian Molokwu, Samuel Oyedeji, Mamuda Aliyu, Samuel Ogunjimi, Yusuf Taiye, Sama’ila Bello, and Gimba Ajiji.

For the visitors, coach Daniel Ogunmodede made three changes to the side that defeated El-Kanemi Warriors 2-0 in Ikenne last time out as Awoyemi Abdulrasheed, Qudus Akanni, and Adams Olamilekan replaced Sodiq Ismail, Aniekeme Okon, and Samuel Anakwe respectively.

After a barren first half, the host had a gilt-edge chance of taking the lead when the referee spotted an infringement in the box, awarding a penalty to Gombe United and Christian Molokwu converted the resulting spot kick over the bar to the delight of Bankole Kayode in goal for the visitors in the 56th minute.

Adams, however had a chance to make the host pay for their missed penalty in the 68th minute after receiving a beautiful pass from Dayo Ojo but Itodo denied him.

Remo Stars finally scored the winning goal in the 88th minute when Andy Okpe who replaced Awoyemi converted a well-tailored free kick from Nduka Junior and Adams.

Goalkeeper, Kayode made a last-ditch save to deny Gombe United a late equaliser.

Bendel Insurance and Remo Stars top Group B with a maximum of two points as the Sky Blue Stars return home next weekend to host former coach, Gbenga Ogunbote and Shooting Stars in a South West derby at Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State.