Remo Stars continue their league title aspirations after defeating Enyimba 2-0 in Ikenne on Thursday. It was their 19th won game of the season. That takes their point-haul to 60 and an eight-point gap with second-placed Rivers United.

The boys from Ikenne still have an outstanding fixture that may further put them in high contention for their first NPFL title. They maintained their dominance over record Nigerian champions, Enyimba whom they have sustained an undefeated run in seven NPFL meetings.

For three seasons running, Remo Stars have graduated steadily from being second runners-up to runners-up and are now set for a special delivery for the title.

From the opening of the game, their intention was clear as they went full blast with attacking, yet entertaining football. But time after time, they missed targets.

Remo Stars delivered a commanding 2-0 victory over nine-time champions Enyimba, extending their lead at the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to eight points and strengthening their push for a historic first league title.

Despite the game being in the weekday, the stadium got almost a full capacity. The crowd cheered and cheered, yet the goals look elusive.

The breakthrough came in the 27th minute, just moments after Ahmed Akinyele’s goal-line clearance denied Enyimba an early lead.

Then Remo Stars turned defence into attack as Akinyele waltzed past two Enyimba defenders before squaring the ball for Adedayo Olamilekan, who calmly found the net.

The hero of the day seemed to be Samson Olasupo who came in and instantly made his mark. With his first touch of the ball after coming on, Olasupo slammed a low ball down the right after it ricocheted to him from a superb run by Adedayo.

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For the fourth time this season, Enugu Rangers have lost a home match after they crumbled 1-0 to visiting Plateau United. The reigning Nigerian league champions succumbed to a 72nd-minute goal by Suleiman Mojereola.

It was a relief for Plateau United who are fighting against relegation. They have now swum up appreciably from the relegation waters to the 11th position.

Also, in a battle against relegation, Akwa United fought spiritedly and secured a 2-0 win over Niger Tornadoes a climbed a step outside the relegation zone.  They are now in 16th place, thanks to a 44th-minute own goal by Ifeanyi Okoye and Mare Abson’s composed finish in the 69th minute.

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BY HAMEED ADIO (OLY)

To say that fans and supporters of Kwara United were not surprised by their last Sunday’s poor performance against Akwa United in Ilorin, must be an exercise in self-delusion and deceit.

The outpouring of emotions clearly underscores the weight of their disappointment.

The reason for this is of course not far-fetched.

As the only Kwara club in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) top-tier division, Kwara United means so many things to their teeming supporters.

Not a few of them derive joy in the good performance and progress of the club. In the face of mounting economic problems, Kwara United through victory provides moments of respite, joy and celebration.

 This and many other reasons account for their cults like following the Harmony Boys to the effect that they spare nothing to ensure the success of their darling club and its players both on and off the pitch.

It is therefore understandable that they reacted the way they did after Sunday’s poor outing. Even the Club management frowned at their poor performance as inferred from a press statement which specifically charged the technical crew to up their game and put back smiles on the faces of the teeming fans while also apologizing to the fans for the poor outing with a promise to redress the ugly situation.

Now my humble take.

 I believe that the “riot act” given to the technical crew will not be treated with kid gloves rather it will spur them to spare no effort in coming up with strategies aimed at bringing back the club to its winning ways.

Secondly, as the supporters are gradually putting Sunday’s poor outing behind them, the fact must not be lost that they are equally desirous of a remarkable improvement leading to the quest for improved performance of the team in their subsequent outings.

 Thirdly, and if I may ask, what better opportunity to prove this than their next home outing against Nasarawa United in Ilorin?

 Nothing other than a very emphatic and convincing victory is expected, not even a draw not to talk of a loss.

Our players must realize that so much is at stake hence the need to approach today’s encounter with utmost care, seriousness and determination it deserves.

They should rediscover the speed, agility, fighting spirit, skills, resilience, fluidity of play and the knack for goal scoring which once characterized their pattern of play.

 On our part as supporters/fans, we shouldn’t relent in our efforts to drum up maximum support for our darling team.

This trying period is that which our total commitment to their success is most needed and I trust we will not deny them.

Today’s match should be seen as that of “operation total redemption” and I trust you and I will play our parts from the blast of the referee’s whistle to the end in which by the special grace of God victory is assured and we all will have a cause to smile and celebrate. To God be the glory. Up Kwara United!

-Hameed Adio is a Nigerian sports legend, renowned for his impressive career as a sprinter and sports journalist. He is a former commissioner for sports in Kwara State.

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