NPFL: Remo Stars Rivers United Plateau United Secure Crucial Wins

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Remo Stars finally found a way out of their difficult run after battling back from a goal down to defeat El Kanemi Warriors 2-1 in a dramatic league contest played in Abeokuta on Monday. The result ended a frustrating five-match losing streak in all competitions and gave the defending champions a badly needed boost.

For much of the game, it looked like the Sky Blue Stars would once again be left disappointed. Even though they controlled large spells of possession and created several openings before the break, they struggled to break through a stubborn El Kanemi side that stayed organized at the back and frustrated the hosts for long periods.

Gossip News Now reports that Remo Stars had already shown attacking intent before halftime, with Victor Mbaoma coming close when his effort hit the crossbar in added time. Olamilekan Adedayo and Adama Goita also tested the visitors from distance, but El Kanemi’s goalkeeper remained alert and prevented the breakthrough.

The away side then shocked the home supporters in the 58th minute when Jonas Emmanuel rose to meet a corner and headed the ball into the net, putting El Kanemi in front against the run of play. That goal left Remo facing the possibility of another painful result.

With head coach Daniel Ogunmodede absent due to Super Eagles duties in Morocco, assistant coach Sulaimon Kamil was in charge and reacted by making bold attacking changes. The introduction of Haruna Hadi and Samson Olasupo added fresh urgency and speed to Remo Stars’ play as they pushed harder in search of a response.

Their persistence eventually produced a reward late in the match. Mbaoma was brought down inside the area in the 87th minute, and he stepped up himself to calmly convert the penalty, dragging the home side back into the contest when time was already running out.

The comeback was completed deep into stoppage time after sustained pressure unsettled El Kanemi’s defense. A dangerous delivery into the area created confusion, and Michael Ibe reacted quickest to bury the loose ball in the 95th minute, sealing a thrilling turnaround for the hosts.

That victory pushed Remo Stars up to 16th position on the table with 13 points, and they still have two outstanding matches to play. Just as importantly, it gave them their first league win in more than a month ahead of another home fixture against Enugu Rangers on Thursday.

In another key result, Rivers United picked up a valuable 1-0 away victory over Kun Khalifat. Maclyn Biokpo proved decisive with a 78th-minute goal that handed Finidi George’s team all three points and lifted them into the top four on 20 points, leaving them just three behind leaders Nasarawa United with a game still in hand.

Plateau United also continued their positive form at the New Jos Stadium, where they edged Bendel Insurance by the same 1-0 scoreline. The winning moment came shortly after the restart, with Saka Gafar finding the net to secure another important result for the Jos side.

For Bendel Insurance, the defeat deepened an already worrying run. The Benin club have now gone seven matches without a win, a sequence that has increased pressure on recently appointed coach Kennedy Boboye as the team dropped to 19th on the standings.

Commentary and Analysis

Remo Stars’ comeback could prove to be a turning point in their season. Beyond the three points, the manner of the victory may restore belief in a squad that had been struggling for confidence after a lengthy spell without success.

Rivers United’s away win also sends a strong message about their ambitions. Grinding out results on the road is often a sign of a serious title contender, and their current position suggests they remain firmly in the race near the top.

Plateau United, meanwhile, are quietly building momentum, while Bendel Insurance are moving in the opposite direction. Their poor run now looks like a serious concern, and unless results improve quickly, pressure around the club is likely to intensify further.