Remo Stars beat Rangers to regain top spot, Finidi wins again with Rivers

Pius Ayinor

Remo Stars are back to the top spot of the NPFL table after they defeated defending champions Enugu Rangers 2-1 in Ikene on Sunday.

Remo Stars opened the scoring via Alex Oyowah off a Jide Fatokun pass and maintained the lead through the first half. Rangers drew level within five minutes of the second half through a Kenechukwu Agwu spot kick. It built up hopes for a possible draw result but that hope soon died as Michael Tochukwu scored the second for the hosts off a solo effort.

Finidi George maintained a good run with Rivers United when they took on his former side Enyimba with a 2-0 win. Ubong Friday’s goal and a brilliant finish from Seiyafa Jackson at the death made the difference.

Niger Tornadoes were forced to a 1-1 draw by Bendel Insurance of Benin in a Match Day 4 encounter decided at the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna.

Jonas Emmanuel and Vincent Okeke scored for Tornadoes and Insurance in the second half to share the spoils. The host played the better part of the game with a man short. Goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo was sent off in the 13th minute after a clumsy challenge on his opponent. Daniel was voted Man-of-the-Match for his outstanding performance.

Tornadoes Coach Papa Majin Mohammed who spoke after the game said the red card was a huge challenge for their game plans.

He said, “We appreciate God for a point is better than nothing. We knew it was going to be very hard for us knowing well that the visitors were still sweating from their 17-year home unbeaten record we broke last season, so they came with the mindset to cause an upset here.

“The early minute red card disrupted our match plan, but it’s part of the game, however, it was a good game despite playing with a man down, the boys gave a good account of themselves, created chances, and scored a goal but couldn’t defend it.”

It was another poor day for coach Amuneke’s Heartland, as a Samuel Ayanride goal ensured hosts Shooting Stars secured a 1-0 victory at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.

Coach Imama Amapakabo of Abia Warriors ensured that Kano Pillars are leaving Umuahia with a 2-0 defeat.

Caption

Alex Oyowah shoots underneath the goalkeeper to get his first goal.