Remo Stars emerged victorious over Sporting Lagos in the much-anticipated Southwest derby in the Nigeria Premier Football League.
The keenly-contested matchday 4 fixture in Ikeene Ogun State, Nigeria ended 2-1 in favour of the home side led by their young and energetic coach Daniel Ogunmodede.
League debutants, Sporting Lagos took the lead in the 21st minute. Jonathan Alukwu beat Remo Stars offside trap as he fired a low drive volley from a looping pass beyond the reach of the goalkeeper.
However, the away side only enjoyed theie lead for just 10 minutes before the home side equalized.
Togolese striker, Franck Mawuena was in pole position as he slots the ball home from Sodiq Ismail’s sublime cross.
Remo Stars took charge of the game immediately after the equalizer and almost scored their second minutes later but Christian Nwoke put his reflexes to good use as he saved Seun Ogunribide’s free-kick.
The first-half ended a goal apiece as both fans were treated to an entralling 45 minutes of good football by both teams.
After a one hour delay to the start of the second half due to heavy downpour, Remo Stars continued their search for the lead and it came juat three minutes after restart.
Veteran striker Alimi Sikiru slots the ball down the middle from a penalty kick to give the Sky Blue Stars the lead.
Sporting Lagos’ Christian Nwoke was very busy between the sticks as he made a couple of saves to keep the scoreline the same.
Adams Olamilekan and Olamilekan Adebayo both had shots on goal but Christian Nwoke denied both efforts as Sporting Lagos endures the onslaught from the home side.
The match ended in favour of Remo Stars who go top of the league with 9 points after 4 matches.
In other NPFL results, veteran Rabiu Alli’s oate goal gave Kano Pillars 1 nil victory over Rivers United at the Sani Abacha Stadium while Lobi Stars kept anothee clean sheet as they beat Abi Warriors 2 nil at home.
Other results:
Saturday October 21, 2023
Niger Tornadoes 1-0 Bayelsa United
Sunday October 22, 2023
Gombe Utd 1-0 Bendel Insurance
Lobi Stars 2-0 Abia Warriors
Heartland 1-1 Katsina Utd
Kano Pillars 1-0 Rivers Utd
Kwara Utd 1-1 Rangers
Akwa Utd 0-0 3SC
Plateau Utd 1-0 Sunshine Stars.
