Remo Stars Sports Club delivered a statement performance in their hunt for a maiden Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title, overcoming nine-time champions Enyimba 2-0 to extend their lead at the top of the table to eight points.
In a high-stakes clash brimming with pressure, Coach Daniel Ogunmodede, fresh from national team duty with the Super Eagles, ensured his side was tactically primed for the encounter at Ikenne. His meticulous preparation paid off as the Sky Blue Stars outplayed the People’s Elephant with clinical finishing and defensive resilience.
A Game-Changing Moment and Tactical Brilliance
The turning point came in the 27th minute, moments after Ahmed Akinyele’s heroic goal-line clearance denied Enyimba an early lead. The defender turned provider shortly after, dancing past two Enyimba defenders and setting up Adedayo Olamilekan, who coolly side-footed the ball into the net to give Remo Stars the lead.
The home side carried the slender 1-0 advantage into the second half and maintained relentless pressure. Sikiru Alimi came close to doubling the lead, narrowly missing at the near post after connecting with a perfect corner delivery from skipper Nduka Junior.
Coach Ogunmodede’s tactical masterstroke came in the 62nd minute when he made a triple substitution. One of the fresh legs, new signing Samson Olasupo, made an instant impact by scoring with his first touch. After a brilliant run from Olamilekan, the ball fell kindly to Olasupo, who unleashed a low drive into the bottom right corner, sparking jubilant celebrations. The forward’s signature move—running to the bench to embrace the coaching staff—embodied the team’s unity and hunger.
Defensive Discipline Seals the Win
Despite Enyimba’s late attempts to stage a comeback, Remo Stars stood firm, with a disciplined defensive display that kept the visitors at bay. The victory lifts Remo Stars to 60 points, eight clear of nearest rivals Rivers United, with a game in hand.
✨Running away from the elephants with 3pts! #REMENY | #NPFL25 pic.twitter.com/LAtQHLU9cC
— Remo Stars Sports Club (@RemoStarsSC) March 27, 2025Elsewhere in the NPFL
The rest of Match Day 31 offered no shortage of drama:
- El-Kanemi Warriors’ Stunning Comeback: In Maiduguri, El-Kanemi Warriors fought back from two goals down to salvage a 2-2 draw against Shooting Stars. Monday Gideon and Sodiq Ibrahim had given the Oluyole Warriors a 2-0 lead before a late equalizer in the 81st minute dashed their hopes of victory and dealt a blow to their CAF continental ambitions.
- Shock at the Cathedral: Defending champions Enugu Rangers suffered a surprise 1-0 defeat at home to Plateau United. Substitute Suleiman Mojereola turned hero for the Peace Boys, netting a crucial 72nd-minute winner that lifts them out of relegation danger.
- Akwa United’s Survival Boost: In Uyo, Akwa United continued their survival mission with a 2-0 win over Niger Tornadoes. An own goal by Tornadoes defender Felix Oloye handed the Promise Keepers the lead just before halftime, and Mare Abson sealed the points with a composed finish in the 67th minute, lifting Akwa United to 16th place with 37 points.
With only a handful of games left, the NPFL title race and relegation battle promise to deliver more twists and turns, but for now, Remo Stars are soaring, with one hand edging closer to their first-ever league crown.
