Sporting Lagos thrash Remo Stars as Lobi Stars hold Abia Warriors in Umuahia
Remo Stars got their biggest defeat of the season, yesterday, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, where Sporting Lagos dented their Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) title ambitions with a 4-1 thrashing.
Remo Stars have been among the top three teams since the season began last year, but they got a rude shock at the Onikan waterfront, where Junior Lokosa opened scoring in the fifth minute.
After the early setback, Remo Stars tried to regroup, but they were soon further down in the 27th minute when Pascal Onyekachi Durugbor made the scores 2-0.
An Aliu Olasunkanmi Salaudeen’s own goal halved the deficit in the 38th minute to end the first half 2-1 in Sporting Lagos’ favour.
Determined to record a statement victory, Sporting Lagos took the fight to Remo Stars in the second half and got their reward in the 54th minute through Philip Odubia, who added the fourth goal in the 60 minute.
The loss dropped Remo Stars down to the fifth position on the log with 39 points, while Sporting Lagos moved to 12th with 31 points.
Defending champions, Enyimba of Aba, have climbed to the second position on 42 points following their 1-0 defeat of Doma United yesterday. Chijioke Mbaoma scored the winning goal in the 89th minute of the game.
Lobi Stars are still on top of the table on 43 points despite their 1-1 draw with Abia Warriors in Umuahia yesterday.
Abia Warriors opened scores in the 70th minute from the penalty spot, while Lobi Stars equalised in the 95th minute of the game marked the return of Abia Warriors to their home turf in Umuahia.
In other games played yesterday, Shooting Stars defeated Akwa United 3-0, Niger Tornadoes recorded their first away win by beating Bayelsa United 1-0 in Yenagoa, while Enugu Rangers were held to a goalless draw in Kwara United.
Earlier on Saturday, Sunshine Stars defeated Plateau United 3-1, while Rivers United and Kano Pillars battled to a 1-1 draw in Port Harcourt.