Sporting Lagos Stun Remo Stars in South-west Derby 

*Katsina Utd dump out league champions Enyimba

Femi Solaja

Newly promoted Nigeria Premier League (NPL) sides, Sporting Lagos, created the biggest shock of the ongoing Naija Super 8 Football Tournament yesterday when they defeated Remo Stars 2-1  to stay in hunt for the big pay out.

Just before the Godwin Enakhena managed Lagos team created this upset at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, another returnees to the Nigerian topflight, Katsina United bundled out 2023 NPL champions and runners-up in their Naija Super 8 Group B, Enyimba International FC, by the same 2-1 scoreline.

While the defeat ended Enyimba’s participation in the tournament, Remo Stars’ hope of qualification for the top prize now  hangs in the balance. 

Katsina United are top of the table on goal difference with same four points from two games as Sporting Lagos. Remo Stars are third with same four points but from three matches. Enyimba got just one point from their three games. 

In the fierce South-West derby, Remo Stars asserted their authority on the game, and opened the scoring in the 17th minute through Frank Muawena. The Ikenne boys had two opportunities to double their lead within five minutes, but failed to make them count. 

Few minutes later, they were punished. Saturday Okon received a brilliant pass behind Remo Stars defence, rounded the goalkeeper and slotted the ball into an empty net, to draw Sporting Lagos level in the 27th minute. 

Isaac James came close to restoring Remo Stars’ lead with a looping header in the 61st minute. The striker had another opportunity in the 70th minute, but dragged his shot wide from close range. The NPFL runner-up mounted pressure on the Sporting Lagos goal, but were repelled by resolute defending and some brilliant goalkeeping. 

Just as the game looked set for a draw, a long ball down the field caught Remo Stars’ defence napping. A clumsy challenge by Victor Collins in the box gifted Sporting Lagos a penalty in the 88th minute. Having missed a penalty in their previous match against Enyimba, Chiemeka Nwokeji managed to convert from a rebound, after his initial kick was saved by the goalkeeper. Sporting Lagos finished the match with 10 men, after goalkeeper, Christian Nwoke, received his second yellow card for time wasting. 

Reacting to the defeat, Remo Stars coach, Daniel Ogunmodede, lamented the loss of concentration that cost his team. He said: “We dominated the game. Every moment was ours. Unfortunately, we couldn’t take our chances. A little lack of concentration from our centerback allowing the ball to bounce in the box, led to the penalty. Kudos to Sporting Lagos, they didn’t want to lose and luckily they got the win.”

Sporting Lagos coach, Paul Offor said his team will not get carried away with the results they have achieved in the competition. “This competition is a great opportunity for us as a team that just qualified for the NPFL to play teams like league champions, Enyimba and runner-up, Remo Stars. Today, we played a team that didn’t allow us to play out from the back the way we like to do. So we suffered a lot coping with the press.”

With both side knowing a defeat is not an option, the first half between Katsina United and Enyimba produced little goal-mouth action. The second half started on an attacking note. Following a sweet counter attack, new signing, Ibrahim Yahya, produced a beautiful curling shot from the edge of the box to put Katsina United ahead in 53rd minute. Five minutes later, another counter attack by Katsina United led to a penalty, which was coolly dispatched by Nazifi Yahaya. 

Enyimba pulled a goal back through a well-taken freekick by Fatai Abdullahi in the 89th minute, but  Katsina United held on to secure their first win in the tournament. 

An elated Katsina United coach, Usman Abdallah said “We had to win to stay in the competition and we got it. The boys did really well. This tournament is a good one for us. It gives exposure to our players. You can see how determined they are, knowing the world is watching them.”

Action will continue in Group B today when Lobi Stars take on Akwa United at 2pmwhile Rivers United face Yobe Desert Stars at 4:30pm. 

Naija Super 8 is organised by Flykite Productions in partnership with MultiChoice Nigeria and sponsors, MTN, Hero Lager, DStv, GOtv, SuperSport, Moniepoint, Pepsi and Custodian Assurance.