NPFL: Mawuena’s Winning Goal Against Rivers Utd  Lifts Remo Stars to Second Spot

Femi Solaja

Remo Stars moved closer to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title  yesterday after an impressive come backing 2-1 win over Rivers United.

The  match earlier scheduled to be played last Sunday, was broadcast live on Beta Sports channel 244 on StarTimes.

Interestingly, it was Rivers Utd that took the lead from the spot in the 19th minute of the opening half with Andy Okpe making no mistake from the penalty as he sent goalkeeper Kayode Bankole to the wrong side of the post. 

That  goal provided a solid cushion for the Pride of Rivers until the 68th minute when Remo Stars’ Hadi Haruna  got the anticipated equaliser to rock the sparse crowd inside the Remo Stars Stadium to life. 

But the Kunle Soname’s lads were not done yet. 

With the match winding down towards the final minute, Togolese import, Franck  Mawuena, finished the job in the 83rd minute. He headed home from a corner kick by Adams Olamilekan  to give the home side the maximum three points and their first-ever win against Rivers United in a competitive match.

The victory pushed Remo to the second spot on the NPFL log on 56 points from same 32 games as leaders Rangers International FC  of Enugu on 57 points.

But for Rivers who have four outstanding games, sitting 13th on the log on 40 points from 28 matches, they need more than Hope as they take on Kwara United in another rescheduled game on Thursday in Ilorin.

A win against Kwara, will provide  the filip for the Pride of Rivers to move up the ladder to probably join in the chase of the N150 million league marble now in Enyimba’s custody. Rivers United however need at least three wins from the outstanding four to stand any meaningful chance of look in for the top prize.