By Nurudeen Obalola
Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) leaders Remo Stars displayed champions’ spirit on Wednesday to overcome a two-goal deficit against Abia Warriors in Ikenne-Remo in a matchday 21 clash.
Remo Stars were stunned by the visitors who went 2-0 early on but the hosts rallied back to win 3-2 to maintain their spot at the top of the standings.
Abia Warriors went two goals up as Ayodele Ezekiel struck in the 25th minute and Antoine Ijoma two minutes later, but Remo Stars were level before half-time.
Olamilekan Adedayo cut Abia Warriors’ lead in the 38th minute and Malik Jabbar equalised on the stroke of half-time.
Franck Mawuena netted the winner eight minutes after the break as Remo Stars stretched their lead at the top of the table to six points, while Abia Warriors are seventh.
Shooting Stars Sports Club, also known as 3SC, rose to second spot after a 2-0 home victory over Nasarawa United.
Tijani Kabir and Sadiq Ibrahim scored in each half to hand the Oluyole Warriors victory over the visitors, who are stuck in bottom spot, four points from safety.
Champions Enugu Rangers continued the wobbly defence of their title with a second straight defeat on the 55th anniversary of the club’s formation.
El-Kanemi Warriors defeated the Flying Antelopes 2-1 in Maiduguri, with Nasiru Salihu netting a brace in the 18th and 74th minutes.
Rangers are sixth, 11 points adrift of top spot, two places and one point behind El-Kanemi.
In Lagos, newcomers Ikorodu City returned to winning ways with a comfortable 4-1 victory over Kano Pillars, who had former Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa in their starting line-up.
Shola Adelani, Harrison Austin, a Rabiu Ali own goal and Ayomide Cole earned Ikorodu City the big win as they climbed to fifth in the NPFL table, while Kano Pillars are eighth.
NPFL RESULTS
Remo Stars 3-2 Abia Warriors
Ikorodu City 4-1 Kano Pillars
Akwa United 1-1 Lobi
3SC 2-0 Nasarawa Utd
Bayelsa Utd 4-1 Sunshine Stars
El-Kanemi 2-1 Rangers
