By Nurudeen Obalola
Remo Stars celebrated their first Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title with a come-from-behind 4-1 victory over Ikorodu City in Ikenne-Remo on Sunday.
The champions, who sealed their first-ever top flight title before Sunday’s clash, fell behind to Tosin Oyedokun’s strike in the 16th minute, which stung them into action.
Sikiru Alimi levelled the scores in the 38th minute and Ibrahim Shuaibu gave Remo Stars the lead before half-time.
Further goals from Babatunde Bello and Olamilekan Adedayo completed the big win for the champions ahead of the trophy presentation.
With one match to go, Remo Stars have a 10-point lead over second-placed Rivers United, while Ikorodu City’s continental hopes were dashed as they are four points adrift of third place, the spot that earns the CAF Confederation Cup ticket.
Despite losing 2-0 at Kwara United, Finidi George’s Rivers United stay in second place and are guaranteed at least a Confederation Cup spot for next season.
If Rivers United win their last match of the campaign next week, they will finish second and qualify for the CAF Champions League.
They are trailed by Abia Warriors, who are one point behind after recovering from one goal down at home to beat El Kanemi Warriors 2-1.
At the bottom, Sunshine Stars joined Lobi Stars in being relegated after losing 2-1 at home to Niger Tornadoes.
Daniel Akanbek struck the winner for the visitors 14 minutes from time after Ahmadu Liman had equalised for Sunshine Stars’s from Ismail Sarki’s opener.
In other NPFL fixtures on Sunday, Enugu Rangers trounced visiting Katsina United 4-0, while Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa scored twice to power Kano Pillars to a 3-1 home win over Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC).
NPFL RESULTS
Remo Stars 4-1 Ikorodu City
Bendel Insurance 1-0 Heartland
Plateau United 2-1 Lobi Stars
Nasarawa United 3-2 Enyimba
Kwara United 2-0 Rivers United
Rangers 4-0 Katsina United
Kano Pillars 3-1 3SC
Abia Warriors 2-1 El-Kanemi Warriors
Akwa United 2-0 Bayelsa United
Sunshine Stars 1-2 Niger Tornadoes
