Samson Olasupo’s 76th-minute strike proved decisive as Remo Stars continued their unbeaten start to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Warri Wolves on Sunday, Afrosport reports.
Playing at their adopted home ground, the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, the Sky Blue Stars saw their first real opportunity in the 20th minute when Samuel Anakwe’s lobbed effort rattled the crossbar.
Warri Wolves responded with a long-range attempt just before halftime, but goalkeeper Sabitu Abiola pulled off a smart save to keep the scores level.
The breakthrough eventually came with 14 minutes left on the clock. Substitute Haruna Hadi slipped a clever pocket pass into the path of Olasupo, who made no mistake from close range to seal all three points.
The victory lifts Remo Stars to the summit of the table with seven points from their opening three games, as Daniel Ogunmodede’s men are looking sharp in their title defence.
Remo Stars sit level on points with Wikki Tourists, who also secured a slim 1-0 win over Abia Warriors in Bauchi. Jonathan Mairiga’s 77th-minute goal was enough to hand the hosts all three points.
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars were held to a 1-1 draw by Ikorodu City in an entertaining South-West derby at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
Sodiq Ibrahim gave the hosts an early lead in the 10th minute, but Shola Adelani struck just before halftime to restore parity for the visitors. Both sides pushed for a winner in the second half, but were unable to break the deadlock.
Elsewhere, Enyimba were frustrated at home by Nasarawa United in a goalless stalemate in Aba.
It was a similar story in Maiduguri, where Rivers United battled to a 0-0 draw away at El Kanemi Warriors. Both sides created chances but lacked the cutting edge in the final third.
In Ilorin, Kwara United recorded their first win of the season, with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Kun Khalifat FC. Johnmark Shirsha opened the scoring early in the match before Emeka Obiorah doubled the lead late on to seal maximum points for the Harmony Boys.
Azeez Falolu’s first-half strike proved decisive as Katsina United edged out Kano Pillars 1-0 in a closely contested northern derby. Barau FC and Bendel Insurance also played out a 1-1 draw, with neither team able to find the breakthrough in a cagey affair.
At the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Niger Tornadoes edged Bayelsa United 1-0 thanks to a composed finish from Ismail Sarki midway through the second half.
Meanwhile, Enugu Rangers recorded a commanding 2-0 win over Plateau United. Goals from Chidozie Iwundu and Chidiebere Nwobodo ensured maximum points for the Flying Antelopes in front of their home fans
