WHAT HAPPENED
Remo Stars narrowly lost to league leaders, Rivers Utd 1-0 in a matchday 29 clash of the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL.
Playing at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium this Sunday, Remo Stars came into the game on the back of a 1-0 home win against Rangers Intl but were made to rue injuries to key players in telling moments of the game as the sky blue stars lost to Enyinnaya Kazieβs goal with 14 minutes left of regulation time.
The visitors, who knew a win would take them back to third on the log started off well with an early opportunity from a free kick which Isah Ali hit inches off target.
Rivers United however responded with a chance of their own but their opportunity went wide.
Chijioke Akuneto had a sniff at goal in the 19th minute from a set piece after Isah Ali was penalized for a foul but the Remo Stars back line stood tall.
Just three minutes after, the Pride of Rivers had Chijioke Akuneto on a freekick again, this time Junior Nduka threw his leg at it to keep the game level.
On the half hour mark, Rivers United came close again to put themselves in front but the captain, Junior Nduka was on hand one more time to thwart their effort.
With five minutes left of the first half, the host had series of corner kicks which the sky blue stars saw off as the game end goalless at halftime.
On resumption of the second half, table toppers, Rivers United continued from where they stopped and pilled up the pressure on their visitors with series of chances.
Remo Stars however tried to get in the act when Junior Nduka took a freekick straight it to the hands of Shocima Victor, the visitors first chance of the second half.
Two minutes after the hour mark, Coach Gbenga Ogunbote brought on Shuji Oshobe and Ibrahim Yusuf for Emmanuel Tsavaa and Sikiru Kamal in a bid to strengthen his side.
Junior Nduka showed yet another brilliant defending when he threw his body at a free kick from Ebube Duru, the action coming in the 67th minute.
The block was his last piece of action for the captain in the game as he was stretched off for Noah Olawale.
Remo Stars would however go on to concede with 14 minutes left of the game when a free kick in favour of the host was taken by Mourice Chukwu which Kayode Bankole punched but the rebound hit the chest of Enyinnaya Kazie to give Rivers United the lead.
The goal which settled the nerves in the stadium would eventually proved to be the difference between the two sides as Rivers United continued their unbeaten run in the NPFL against the sky blue stars.
WHAT IT MEANS
The defeat means Remo Stars dropped to 4th on the table with 46points just two shy of third place Rangers Intl who are third with 48pts.
WHATβS NEXT
Remo Stars would now regroup and return to the Remo Stars stadium in Ikenne for their matchday 30 clash against Kano Pillars on Sunday, 29th May 2022.
