NPFL23 Matchday Three: Remo Stars remain masters of the Southwest after 3SC defeat

Remo Stars continued their dominance of the nation’s South-West region with an impressive 2-0 win over regional rivals Shooting Stars in Ikenne. The Sky Blue Stars extended their impeccable record in the NPFL23 season, picking up their third win.

Tutored by former Remo Stars manager Gbenga Ogunbote, Shooting Stars visited Ikenne hoping to exact revenge for the defeat they suffered there last season and also pick up their first win of the season.

Both sides started the game in high-octane fashion but the first real warning bells came in the 26th minute when the visitors found the net following a set piece, but the referee ruled out the effort for a foul in the build-up.

Neither side managed to break the deadlock in the opening segment of the match, prompting Remo Stars manager Daniel Ogunmodede to throw on former Ikorodu City star Godwin Odibo at the interval.

Odibo immediately sparked the game to life, creating a good chance within minutes of his introduction for striker Andy Okpe, but the lanky striker could not take full advantage.

The home fans were given a reason to cheer on the hour mark as a cross from Okpe was turned into his own net by Shooting Star’s Alex Aghahowa to hand the home side the lead in the match.

Remo Stars doubled their advantage ten minutes later with the impressive Odibo scoring his first NPFL goal by coolly slotting under the goalkeeper when through on goal.

The Sky Blue Stars held on to their third clean sheet of the season, taking them top of Group A level on points with Bendel Insurance. They prevented Shooting Stars from securing a first win over them since 2017 and handed them their first defeat of the season.