Nigerian Football
Remo Stars Ready for Rangers Showdown in Enugu, Says Ogunmodede
Ahead of their Matchday 24 clash in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Remo Stars’ coach, Daniel Ogunmodede, has expressed confidence in his team’s readiness to take on defending champions Rangers International.
The hitherto Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium fortress has been demystified in the ongoing season following the string of losses by Rangers on the same ground where they secured a 100% record last season leading to their being crowned Nigeria’s champions.
The current league leaders will take their unbeaten run which has spanned 74 days since losing 2-1 to Niger Tornadoes on December 1 last year. By Sunday, it will be 77 days since the strong Ikenne side last lost a match.
Ogunmodede has reiterated his team’s determination to maintain the momentum.
“No game is too easy or too difficult for us. It all depends on what unfolds during the match,” Ogunmodede said in an interview with Remo Stars media.
“Some games you expect to be tough turn out to be easier, and others that you think will be straightforward become challenging. It’s the moments in the game that often decide the outcome. It doesn’t matter who we face – what matters is how we handle the game in those critical moments.”
“We will prepare as a team and hope to get it right when the time comes,” he added.
Remo Stars currently lead the table with 48 points, while Rangers are in 5th place with 35 points.
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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Disciplinary Committee has restored the points deducted from Bendel Insurance and Nasarawa United.
This was contained in a statement by the NFF following the protest lodged by Bendel Insurance and Nasarawa United against the NPFL’s decision to deduct points accrued to the club.
The NFF findings in the game between Bendel Insurance and Kano Pillars in a match day 11 encounter reads, “The Committee affirmed paragraphs a, b, c, d, and f of the decisions of the NPFL as contained in Form 16, Summary Jurisdiction Notice to Bendel Insurance FC dated 11th November 2024.
“The order in paragraph “e” deducting 3 points and 3 goals from the accrued points/goals of Bendel Insurance FC by the NPFL is hereby set aside, on the ground that the assault on the match officials was not grievous as provided in Rule C11 of the Frameworks and Rules of the NPFL.”
The NFF findings in the game between Nasarawa United and Rivers United played on 22nd December 2024 read: “The Committee affirmed paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8 of the decisions of the NPFL as contained in Form 16, Summary Jurisdiction Notice to Nasarawa United FC dated 13th January, 205.
“The order in paragraph “4” deducting 3 points and 3 goals from the accrued points/goals of Nasarawa United FC by the NPFL is hereby set aside, on the ground that the case of assault on the match official was not proven beyond reasonable doubt.
“The Committee recommends that the Match Commissioner, Mr Godfrey Maman JP should be demoted to the Nigeria National League (NNL) category with immediate effect.”
Meanwhile, the NFF Committee affirmed the decision of the NPFL following the protest lodged by Plateau United in the game against Rangers International.
“The Committee affirmed paragraphs a – h of the decisions of the NPFL as contained in Form 16, Summary Jurisdiction Notice to Plateau United FC dated 11th November 2024.”
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Shooting Stars aiming for their first national title since the 1998 season got a setback in Ilorin after Kwara United inflicted a 2-0 defeat in a rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League match.
Shooting Stars had hoped to sustain their unbeaten run that has spanned 77 days in the league. Getting a point would have also narrowed the gap between them and the fast-running away Remo Stars.
The 2-0 loss to Kwara United also narrowed Shooting Stars goal difference from eight to six, giving Remo Stars an 11 gap in goal difference and eight-point advantage.
Interestingly, Shooting Stars’ last lost match was against Remo Stars with goals from Sikiru Alimi and Adedayo Olamilekan giving the Ikenne side a 2-0 win.
Since then, Shooting Stars have won six matches in a row including the famous away win against their eternal rivals, Enugu Rangers and then a 1-1 draw in Jos to Plateau United.
On Wednesday, the tittle-chasing Shooting Stars found themselves behind after 22 minutes when Kabiru Mohammed put the home side in front and Ogifini Abdullah doubled the lead in the 57th minute.
The result also pushed Kwara United to eighth position with 32 points to their credit.
In Benin, Bendel Insurance’s quest to swim out of the murky waters of relegation got a boost when they beat multiple champions, Enyimba 1-0.
Elsewhere, Kano Pillars edged out El Kanemi 2-1 at the Sani Abacha Stadium. After a goalless first half, veteran defender and possibly the oldest player in the Nigerian league, Rabiu Ali put the home side in the lead in the 62nd minute via a penalty kick.
El Kanemi restored parity three minutes later through Umar Al Amin also from a penalty kick.
But with the looking like a draw, the stadium massive crowd at the stadium celebrated the late-minute goal off Rashid Alhasan.
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The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) board has re-arranged some match-day 24 duels that are expected to be held this weekend.
This was contained in a letter addressed to the clubs and signed by the league’s Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi.
The Nasarawa United and Ikorodu City FC tie has now been drawn back to Saturday, 15th February 2025, at the Lafia City Stadium at 4 pm.
Also, the clash between Kano Pillars and Abia Warriors will now hold on Saturday, 15th February 2025, at 3:00 pm at the Sani Abacha Stadium Kano.
Other matches billed for Saturday, 15th February 2025, include Kwara United Vs Bayelsa United, Plateau United Vs El Kanemi Warriors, Lobi Stars Vs Katsina United, Enyimba FC Vs Rivers United and Sunshine Stars Vs Akwa United.
The matches that have been scheduled for Sunday, 16th February 2025 include; Heartland FC vs Shooting Stars and Bendel Insurance Vs Niger Tornadoes.
The biggest game for the match day will be held in Enugu between Rangers International and table-toppers Remo Stars on Sunday, 16th February 2025, at 3:00 pm.
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