NPFL: Remo Stars claim derby bragging rights

Remo Stars defeated Sunshine Stars 1-0 in a tight South West derby game played in Ikenne on Saturday, www.aclsports.com reports.

New recruit Ibrahim Shuaibu scored the game’s only goal in the 7th minute to help the Sky Blue Stars claim successive win in the new Nigeria Premier Football League campaign.

The Ikenne side, who defeated Abia Warriors on match day 1, started the encounter on a bright note and took their first meaningful chance of the game. A long ball from veteran Ifeanyi Anaemena was brought down by Ibrahim before firing past Sunshine goalkeeper David Obiazor.

The visitors, who also kicked things off with a win last weekend, stayed competitive for the remainder of the feisty contest.

Remo nearly doubled their lead when the Sunshine goalkeeper’s clearance was intercepted by Franck Mawuena. He then passed to Ibrahim, who was coming back from an offside position, to score, but the goal was rightly chalked off. In the end, the half remained unchanged.

After the break, the Owena Whales were more purposeful in attack and even had a goal ruled out for offside. Remo goalkeeper Obassa Adeniyi then made a couple of fine stops to deny the visitors,  while skipper Junior Nduka made a goalline clearance to preserve the lead for Daniel Ogunmodede’s side.

The hosts, who are looking to win the league for the first time, held on for another win in the South West derby to make it two wins out of two in the league this season.

In the day’s other game, 2022 champions Rivers United beat Heartland 3-1 to claim their first win of the season. Kabiru Abdullahi came off the bench to score twice after Christian Molokwu (Heartland) had cancelled out Taofeeq Olaniyi’s opener for the Pride of Rivers in the game decided at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port-Harcourt.

The remaining fixtures of match day two will be played on Sunday.