Tochukwu Michael’s stunning free-kick earned Remo Stars maximum points as they edged Akwa United 2-1 in a matchday 19 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clash on Sunday in Ikenne, Afrosport reports.
Remo Stars rested the quartet of Sadiq Ismail, Sikiru Alimi, Jide Fatokun and goalkeeper Kayode Bankole who were involved in the Super Eagles B’s win over Ghana on Saturday in their final Africa Nations Championship, (CHAN) qualification encounter.
The Ogun State-based side had no problems going ahead when they netted the opener in the third minute through Shuaib who converted from the penalty spot.
The visitors restored parity just before half-time when Kabiru Osoba grabbed the equaliser off a free-kick.
With nine-minutes left on the clock, Tochukwu Michael scored from a free-kick to ensure Daniel Ogunmodede’s side would end the first half of the season as league leaders with 36 points, three points ahead of Rivers United in second.
In other games, Shooting Stars pipped Kwara United 1-0 in Ibadan courtesy of Mustapha Adams’ solitary effort, while Katsina United pipped Nasarawa United 1-0 in Lafia with Azeez Falolu’s lone goal sealing victory.
In Lagos, Rivio Ayemwenre’s last gasp penalty sealed a 2-1 win for Ikorodu City at the expense of Sunshine Stars in the southwest derby while Lobi Stars and Heartland battled to a 0-0 draw in Makurdi.
2️⃣ more to round off 2024 & the first round #RIVPLA in Port Harcourt #ENYBEN in Aba#NPFL25 pic.twitter.com/tZlJtBnmKK
— NPFL (@NigeriaPFL) December 29, 2024
In Maiduguri, Al-Amin Umar was the hero as his 37th minute strike helped El-Kanemi Warriors beat fellow northern side Kano Pillars 1-0, while champions Enugu Rangers earned a vital victory on the road with a 1-0 win at Niger Tornadoes, Bashir Usman scoring the only goal of the game.
