Enyimba International FC, Remo Stars FC opening match ends in stalemate

Posted : 03 June 2023

As the much-anticipated 2022/2023 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Super 6 kicked off in Lagos, on Saturday, Enyimba International FC and Remo Stars were inseparable as both team produced last gap 2-2 stalemate in the first match of the contest.

Africa Sport Network (ASN) reports that the 2022/2023 NPFL Super 6 playoffs to determine the abridged league winners is ongoing at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena (formerly Onikan Stadium) Lagos.

Six teams, three each from the Group A and B of the abridged league format are to play to determine the winners.

The Group A consists of unbeaten Bendel Insurance, with 34 points, Remo Stars with 33 points and Enyimba with 32 points.

The Group B produced the defending champions, Rivers United FC, with 34 points, Lobi Stars of Makurdi with 30 points while Sunshine Stars FC of Akure completed the round up with 27 points.

In the first match of the NPFL Super 6, Enyimba International FC and Remo Stars produced a tough encounter from the blast of the first whistle.

Remo Stars FC produced the first attempt in the 11th minute as Andy Okpe's clever header narrowly missed the target off a lofty cross from Sodiq Ismaila.

The entertaining game of football artistry, yet without a goal also had Remo Stars' Sadiq Ismail's long range effort, parried to safety by Enyimba goalkeeper, Djeri Bassa.

In the 23rd minute, Enyimba's Ekene Awazie dribbled past his marker on the left but his low cross into the box was cleared by Remo Stars' Skipper, Nduka.

Seth Mayi's long range effort at goal was also cleverly saved by Djeri Bassa as the first half whistle ended the match goalless.

In the second half, Sadiq Abubakar won a 49th-minute free kick for Enyimba FC in a promising position, but the resultant effort was blocked by Remo's Wall and eventually cleared to safety.

The 55th minute of Emeka Obioma's close range strike was saved by Bankole Kayode who denied the league's highest goal scorer the opener.

The Finidi George-led team however, drew the first blood in the 60th minute as Adiele Eriugo produced a classy touch to give the Peoples Elephant the lead off a clever assist by Obioma.

The first goal however led to a double substitution by the technical crew of the Sky Blue Stars led by experienced Daniel Ogunmodede as Dayo Ojo and Olamilekan Adams replaced Ifeanyi Anaemen and Oluwaseun Odunsi.

Rejuvinated Ogunmodede-tutored team came up with more pressure and they were rewarded as substitute Junior Lokosa ended Enyimba FC's reign with his first touch in the 76th minute to put the scores at one goal apiece.

However, the 79th minute penalty call gave the Enyimba FC the second lead as the centre referee pointed at the penalty spot after substitute Mbaoma was adjudged to have been bundled down in the box.

The Peoples Elephant two-time winners of the CAF Champions League restored their lead through Obioma converts who converted from the spot in the 79th minute.

Within two minutes added time, (92nd minutes), Enyimba FC conceded a free kick in a dangerous area which Remo Stars FC made to count.

Nduka with a spectacular effort drew level for Remo Stars with a brilliant goal to end the tightly contested match in a 2-2 stalemate after 94 minutes of play.

An elated hero of the day, Nduka on the sidelines said that the team did not lose hope till the last whistle.

“We did not lose hope and kept on pushing till the winning goal came and I am happy it was me,” he said.

Enyimba International FC, Remo Stars FC opening match ends in stalemate

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