Remo Stars Solidify Their Lead in the Nigeria Premier Football League
Remo Stars extended their dominance in the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Kwara United in a match-day 25 fixture held in Ikenne. This win, secured with late goals from substitutes Samuel Anaekwe and Haruna Hadi, propelled the Sky Blue Stars to a commanding 10-point lead at the summit of the league table. Capitalizing on 3SC’s draw against Lobi Stars the previous day, Remo Stars seized the opportunity to widen the gap and solidify their position as title favorites. The match proved to be a challenging encounter, with Kwara United putting up a resilient defense that frustrated Remo Stars’ attacking efforts for much of the game.
Remo Stars started the match aggressively, creating several scoring opportunities in the opening stages. Tochukwu Michael’s early effort struck the woodwork, followed by Sikiru Alimi’s near miss, also hitting the post. Togolese forward Franck Mawuena’s apparent headed goal was disallowed due to a foul on the opposing goalkeeper. Despite their persistent attacking forays, Remo Stars were unable to break the deadlock in the first half, leaving the score goalless at halftime. The home side’s frustration continued into the second half, with captain Junior Nduka’s free-kick also denied by the woodwork. The match remained tightly contested, with Kwara United’s defense holding firm against Remo Stars’ relentless pressure.
Manager Daniel Ogunmodede’s tactical substitutions proved decisive in breaking the stalemate. Samuel Anaekwe, brought on as a substitute, made an immediate impact, heading in a rebound from Nduka’s free-kick in the 79th minute. This crucial breakthrough finally rewarded Remo Stars’ persistent efforts and gave them a much-needed advantage in the closing stages. Another substitute, Haruna Hadi, sealed the victory in stoppage time, capitalizing on a spilled save by the Kwara United goalkeeper off Ibrahim Shuaib’s low shot. Hadi’s composed finish secured the three points for Remo Stars and further demoralized the visiting team.
This vital win extends Remo Stars’ lead to 51 points after 25 matches, placing them 10 points clear of second-placed 3SC. This significant point cushion gives Remo Stars a substantial advantage in the title race, putting them firmly in control as the season progresses. Their next challenge is an away fixture against Nasarawa United, a match that will test their ability to maintain their impressive form on the road. The victory against Kwara United not only solidified Remo Stars’ position at the top of the table but also underscored the team’s depth and resilience.
The match also highlights the importance of tactical substitutions in football. Daniel Ogunmodede’s decision to introduce Anaekwe and Hadi proved crucial in unlocking Kwara United’s stubborn defense. Both substitutes made significant contributions, demonstrating the value of having impactful players on the bench. This tactical flexibility allows Remo Stars to adapt to different game situations and provides an extra dimension to their attacking threat. The team’s ability to find different avenues to score, even when faced with a resolute defense, is a testament to their tactical prowess and the depth of their squad.
Looking ahead, Remo Stars will aim to maintain their momentum and further extend their lead at the top of the table. Their impressive performance against Kwara United sends a strong message to their title rivals. With a comfortable lead and a squad brimming with talent, Remo Stars appear well-poised to continue their dominant run in the NPFL and potentially secure the championship title. Their next match against Nasarawa United will be another opportunity for them to demonstrate their title credentials and further solidify their position as the team to beat in the league.
