Actions resume in Stadia across the country on Saturday as the Nigerian Professional Football League, NPFL reaches matchday five. There have been few surprises so far with newly promoted Remo Stars occupying the top spot whilst remaining unbeaten.
Remo Stars players celebrates Samuel Anakwe’s goal against Dakkada FC. Photo Credits: Facebook/ Remo Stars Football Club.
The side led by coach Gbenga Ogunbode have been quite impressive so far with two wins and as many draws leaving them on eight points. They have also been very consistent and organized defensively, a prowess which has seen them with the best defensive record so far in the league.
It took their goalkeeper, Kayode Bankole until the last matchday in the trip away to Dakkada FC to concede for the first time this season, when he was beaten by a Muritala Lawal effort in the 12th minute of the encounter.
On that evening, the team showed great resilient to snatch a priceless point away from home with Samuel Anakwe restoring parity just before the break.
Even without a win in their last two games, which have both ended in draws, they have been overall brilliant and might just need their strikers to be more clinical in from of goal.
They will be feeling much confidence when they return home this weekend, on Sunday to play host to Plateau United, who are yet to pick a point away from home this season.
The side from Jos, who finished ninth in the league last season have narrowly each of their two trips away from home this season. They have been beaten by Niger Tornados and MFM FC, both matches ending by a goal to nothing.
However, the Pius Henwan side have been unplayable at home, putting Kwara United and Heartland to thr sword at their New Jos Stadium in the state’s capital.
Their poor away run however could be exploited by a Remo Stars, whose fans have taken supporting their side to another level. Remo Stars will also be hopeful that their top scorer Andy Okpe finds his firing boots once again having missed glorious chances which would have given them the win in Uyo.
The big striker has not scored since the 3-0 home win over Heartland and the pressure will be on him to deliver when the side return home this weekend.
The match will kickoff 16:00 WAT at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State on Sunday.
Author: Kehinde Hassan Afolabi
