Nigeria Leagues
Remo Stars and Enyimba edge Shooting Stars to CAF continental places
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Remo Stars qualified for consecutive CAF Champions League after a 2-1 win against Katsina United in Ikenne as the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) wraps up with Matchday 38 games on Sunday.
First-half goals from Sodiq Ismail and Dayo Ojo sealed the second spot for Daniel Ogunmodede’s side despite Okoro Ibe’s 76th-minute goal for Katsina United.
The Sky Blue Stars finished second in the league for the consecutive season and continued their stamp on the league consistency form.
Since gaining promotion from the second-tier Nigeria National League (NNL) two seasons ago, the team has not finished below the third position.
In Aba, Enyimba FC finished third after a 2-0 victory against Plateau United at the Enyimba Stadium.
Goals from the league’s top goal scorers Chijioke Mbaoma and Muyiwa Balogun lifted the People’s Elephant to a win.
They will represent Nigeria at the second-tier CAF Confederation Cup alongside the winner of the 2024 President Federation Cup.
Elsewhere, Shooting Stars Sports Club, Plateau United, and Lobi Stars missed out on continental football.
The Oluyole Warriors pipped Sporting Lagos 1-0 in the South West derby thanks to Christian Pyagbara’s 38th-minute goal.
In Kano, Pillars edged Lobi Stars 3-2 as Adamu Musa scored two goals coupled with Ibrahim Nura’s strike ensured a slim win for the Northern side.
Overall, Champions Rangers International and Remo Stars will represent Nigeria at the CAF Champions League next season, while Enyimba FC will play in the CAF Confederation Cup.
