Newly promoted Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) sides, Sporting Lagos and Katsina United, produced resolute performances to defeat league 2023 league champions and runner-up, in their Naija Super 8 Group B encounters, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, on Tuesday.
Katsina United defeated Enyimba International 2-1, while Sporting Lagos snatched a late 2-1 win over Remo Stars of Ikenne. The defeat ended Enyimba’s participation in the tournament, while Remo Stars’ hope of qualification hangs in the balance.
In the fierce South-West derby, Remo Stars asserted their authority on the game, and opened the scoring in the 17th minute through Frank Muawena. The Ikenne boys had two opportunities to double their lead within five minutes, but failed to make them count. Few minutes later, they were punished.
Saturday Okon received a brilliant pass behind Remo Stars defence, rounded the goalkeeper and slotted the ball into an empty net, to draw Sporting Lagos level in the 27th minute.
Isaac James came close to restoring Remo Stars’ lead with a looping header in the 61st minute. The striker had another opportunity in the 70th minute, but dragged his shot wide from close range. The NPFL runner-up mounted pressure on the Sporting Lagos goal, but were repelled by resolute defending and some brilliant goalkeeping.
Just as the game looked set for a draw, a long ball down the field caught Remo Stars’ defence napping. A clumsy challenge by Victor Collins in the box gifted Sporting Lagos a penalty in the 88th minute. Having missed a penalty in their previous match against Enyimba, Chiemeka Nwokeji managed to convert from a rebound, after the goalkeeper saved his initial kick. Sporting Lagos finished the match with ten men, after goalkeeper, Christian Nwoke, received his second yellow card for time wasting.
With both side knowing a defeat is not an option, the first half between Katsina United and Enyimba produced little goalmouth action. The second half started on an attacking note. Following a sweet counter attack, new signing, Ibrahim Yahya produced a beautiful curling shot from the edge of the box to put Katsina United ahead in 53rd minute. Five minutes later, another counter attack by Katsina United led to a penalty, which was coolly dispatched by Nazifi Yahaya.
Enyimba pulled a goal back through a well-taken freekick by Fatai Abdullahi in the 89th minute, but Katsina United held on to secure their first win in the tournament.
Action will continue in Group B today when Lobi Stars take on Akwa United at 2pm and Rivers United faces Yobe Desert Stars at 4:30pm.