Remo Stars returned to the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over fellow title contenders Enugu Rangers in Ikenne on matchday four.
Despite a tactical and lively start to the encounter, where both teams sought an opening goal, the first half ended goalless.
The second half was more eventful, with Alex Oyowah giving Remo Stars the lead in the 50th minute. After a great sequence of interchanging passes, he delivered a powerful shot into the net.
Rangers quickly responded, equalizing from the penalty spot just five minutes later. Agu Kenechukwu calmly sent Remo’s goalkeeper the wrong way to restore parity.
Remo regained the lead in the 58th minute when Tochukwu Michael shaped to his left before hitting the top corner with a powerful strike, restoring Remo’s advantage.
Controversy followed the goal as Rangers felt aggrieved by Remo initiating active play while they were expecting fair play. However, Michael’s long-range effort stood and secured the victory for Remo.
Reacting to the loss, Rangers coach Fidelis Ilechukwu admitted he expected a tough game against Remo, who finished second last season.
“We expected a tough game before coming here. Remo has a very strong team; they’re yet to lose this season, and my boys were fatigued from our Wednesday match,” Ilechukwu told Bold Sports after the game.
“We have to pick ourselves up now and focus on the next game,” he concluded.
Remo Stars remain the only club in the NPFL with a perfect record, having won all four matches so far. Rangers’ goal was the first Remo has conceded this season.