Two-time Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) runners-up, Remo Stars are likely to end the year 2024 at the top of the table after beating Akwa United 2-1 in Ikenne on Sunday to go three points clear of Rivers United who host Plateau United on Monday (today).
Tochukwu Micheal scored an 82nd-minute free-kick and match winner for the Sky Blue Stars to secure the all-important 2-1 win after Kabir Osoba had cancelled out Ibrahim Shuaibu’s third-minute opener for Remo.
Remo Stars now hold a three-point gap ahead of Rivers United in the table and the Port Harcourt side must beat Plateau United by at least a four-goal margin to stand a chance of toppling Remo into the new year.
The league is expected to go on a three-week mid-season break after the completion of match-day 19 games today.
Meanwhile, 3SC continued their fine form and will be third in the league going into the New Year thanks to a 1-0 win over Kwara United in Ibadan on Sunday.
The only goal of the game which gave Gbenga Ogunbote’s side the victory was scored by Adam Agba on the stroke of halftime.
The Oluyole Warriors had a perfect December, winning all their five matches, and scoring seven goals without conceding.
They are followed on the log by reigning champions Rangers International who beat Niger Tornadoes 1-0 at home, just one week after surrendering a 10-game unbeaten run to the Ibadan side.
In Lagos, Rivio Ayemwenre scored a late penalty to secure a 2-1 win for Ikorodu City over Sunshine Stars in the southwest derby just as El-Kanemi Warriors beat Kano Pillars 1-0 in Maiduguri.
Nasarawa United, Akwa United, Plateau United and Lobi Stars make up the relegation zone from the bottom.
