Remo Stars recorded the first away win of the 2023-2024 Nigeria Premier Football League season, edging Bayelsa United 2-1 in a matchday 3 tie at Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa on Sunday.
Smarting from a 2-0 defeat to Rivers United on match day 2, the Sky Blues took the lead after four minutes through Adams Olamilekan, who connected well to Samuel Anakwe’s cross as they headed into recess with the slim advantage.
The home team’s woes were compounded in the 15th minute following the expulsion of their goalkeeper, Oluwaseun Solomon, after coming out of the box to pick up the ball.
Sikiru Alimi made it 2-0 for Remo Stars in the 78th minute, while Ekeson Okorie pulled a goal back for Bayelsa United with two minutes left of regulation time.
The win saw Remo Stars move up from 13th to 3rd position in the standings on six points, while Bayelsa dropped to 13th position.
Defending champions Enyimba International defeated Akwa United 3-2 in another thriller in Aba as the People’s Elephant secured their first win of the campaign.
Finidi George’s team opened the floodgate of goals on 12 minutes through Innocent Gabriel, who made the most of a good pass outside the box by hitting a low strike into the net.
Chijioke Mbaoma doubled the lead for the home team three minutes later, almost from the same distance; Kufre Ebong pulled a goal back for the visitors three minutes in added time of the first half after he got the last header to send the ball into the net; and David Philip scored from a direct free kick on 67 minutes to pull them level 2-2.
Desperate for their first win, Enyimba responded just two minutes later through Somiari Alalibo, who scored from a free kick to secure maximum points for the two-time African champions, who moved from the basement to 15th position on the log by virtue of the win.
Reacting to the loss on their Twitter handle, Akwa United stated what is common with losers in football.
“Not the result we wanted, but we will keep pushing for better results in subsequent matches,” wrote the Uyo-based club.
Enugu Rangers edged the Niger Tornadoes 2-1 at Awka City Stadium to move up to second place on the log.
Sporting Lagos drew goalless against Doma United at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, to relinquish the pole position to Bendel Insurance, who assumed that position after defeating Plateau United 1-0 at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Saturday.
The encounter between Rivers United and Kwara United at Adokie Amasiamaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, as well as the one between Katsina United and Lobi Stars played on Saturday at Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, ended goalless.
Sunshine Stars and Heartland battled to a 1-1 draw in Akure; Abia Warriors edged Kano Pillars 1-0 at home; and 3SC came from behind to edge Gombe United 2-1 at Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, in Ibadan.
Match Day 3 Results
14-10-2023
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15-10-2023
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SOURCE: GLOBALSPORTS