Remo Stars Sports Club of Ikenne have secured their first NPFL title following a nervy 1-0 win over Niger Tornadoes on Sunday, www.aclsports.com reports.
The Sky Blue Stars knew a win would officially see them claim the league title for the 2024-25 campaign, but they faced stiff opposition from the visitors. However, substitute Adedayo Olamilekan scored late in the game to secure the win.
Remo Stars, who have been excellent all through the campaign, needed to beat Tornadoes at home to win the title following Rivers United’s loss to Kano Pillars in Kano on Friday.
With that in mind, Daniel Ogunmodede altered his team a bit for this important fixture as Haruna Hadi was handed a start in midfield, while Olamilekan Adedayo had to make do with a place on the bench.
Tornadoes, who were not moved by the occasion, made life difficult for the hosts with their defensive organisation. In addition, goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo made some breathtaking saves to deny Remo Stars.
In the final 10 minutes of the game, Olamilekan Adedayo – who had earlier replaced Sikiru Alimi – fired home to the ease the tensions in front of a packed Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne. In the end, the hosts held on to claim their 21st win of the season and secure the league title with three games to spare.
It’s the first time Remo Stars will be winning the Nigerian top-flight following back-to-back second place finishes.
In other games decided on Sunday, Waheed Adebayo’s brace helped Sunshine Stars beat Katsina United 2-0 in Ijebu Ode. Nasarawa United also defeated Heartland 1-0 courtesy of Anas Yusuf’s goal in another relegation six-pointer in Gombe.
In Ilorin, Kwara United thumped already relegated Lobi Stars 4-0 to ease their own relegation fears, while Enyimba edged Rangers 2-1 in the Oriental Derby played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.
Bayelsa United, Akwa United and Plateau United beat Elkanemi, Ikorodu City and Bendel Insurance by the same scoreline (2-1) respectively.
Abia Warriors continued their quest for a continental ticket by beating Shooting Stars 3-1 in Umuahia. Sunday Megwo, Antoine Ijoma, and Adejoh Ojonugwa scored for Abia Warriors, while Alex Aghahowa grabbed a consolation goal for Shooting Stars.
With just three games until the end of the season, the fight for survival and continental slots are quite intense. Match Day 36 action is expected to hold next weekend.
Match day 35 Results
Kano Pillars 2-0 Rivers United
Nasarawa United 1-0 Heartland
Rangers International 1-2 Enyimba FC
Plateau United 2-1 Bendel Insurance
Kwara United 4-0 Lobi Stars
Akwa United 2-1 Ikorodu City
Sunshine Stars 2-0 Katsina United
Abia Warriors 3-1 Shooting Stars
Bayelsa United 2-1 El-Kanemi warriors
Remo Stars 1-0 Niger Tornadoes
