In a battle of two CAF Champions League representatives, Remo Stars beat Enyimba in Naija Super 8 opener in Lagos…
Remo Stars FC once again proved difficult for Enyimba, extending their unbeaten run over the People’s Elephant to four matches after a fairly comfortable 2-1 win in the opening game of the Naija Super 8 on Friday.
In the game decided at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, both teams used the game to give playing time to some of their new signings ahead of their participation in this season’s CAF Champions League competition.
Remo Stars head coach Daniel Ogunmodede handed starts to three of their new recruits: defender Victor Collins, signed from Nasarawa United; midfielder Jide Fatokun, signed from Kwara United and attacker Isaac James.
It was the latter that scored the game’s curtain raiser in the 20th minute when he overpowered Enyimba defender Adekunle Adeleke before finishing beyond goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo to make for a dream debut for the Sky Blue Stars.
Finidi George’s Enyimba however replied five minutes later through Sunday Chisom Okereke who finished brilliantly from close range. The striker nicodemusly ghosted his way behind the Remo Stars backline to produce a one-time finish to Nonso Nzediegwu’s impeccable pass from the left.
Both teams had free kick opportunities to go in front before the break but none was utilised as Nduka Junior (Remo Stars), Fatai Abdullahi, Chigozie Chilekwu and Chigozie Obasi (Enyimba) failed to find the target from decent shooting ranges.
Remo Stars however went back in front just before the hour mark once again after great work by James. The attacker, this time got the better of Pascal Eze before squaring beyond Ojo, allowing Seun Ogunribide to tap into an unguarded net.
The goal ensured that Remo Stars beat Enyimba in the Naija Super 8 opener in front of an appreciable number of spectators who were also animated by a half time performance by popular enfant terriblè artiste Portable.
Action continues in the Naija Super 8 on Saturday when former Enyimba and Remo Stars coach Fatai Osho leads out his new Akwa United side against Yobe Desert Stars at 2pm while Osho’s immediate past employers Rivers United face Lobi Stars at 4:30pm.
