NPFL23 Super Six Finale: Remo Stars through to CAF Champions League after historic win

Remo Stars picked up a historic 1-0 win over Bendel Insurance in their final NPFL23 Super Six game at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos to claim a first-ever ticket to the CAF Champions League. 

Following their dominant win over Lobi Stars last time out, Remo Stars were on the hunt of continental football for a second successive season. Their opponent was their long-time rival and nemesis, Bendel Insurance. The Benin Arsenal secured a win and a draw against the Sky Blue Stars during the regular season and had never lost to them in their history.

Bendel Insurance had it all to play for, knowing that a big-enough win would see them top Remo Stars and seal a place on the continent. Both sides started the match cautiously, testing each other without doing much damage.

The Sky Blue Stars created a number of openings but failed to utilise them before midfielder Akanni Qudus scored the game’s only goal in the 36th minute. The diminutive midfielder was on hand to slam the ball home after a loose ball fell to him inside the box.

Neither side managed to create any clear-cut openings in the second half as the Ikenne-based team showed great management of the game to eke out a first-ever win over the Benin Arsenal.

Remo Stars will now feature in the CAF Champions League next season after sealing second place in the NPFL23 Super Six. For Bendel Insurance, their attention will now turn to Asaba, where they have a date against Rangers in the Federation Cup final.