Remo Stars’ Sikiru Alimi again inflicts defeat on Enugu Rangers

Sikiru Alimi nodded what again turned a back-breaker for hard-fighting Enugu Rangers as Remo Stars opened their Nigeria Premier League account with a 2-1 defeat of the eastern warlords. Last year May, in Enugu Rangers last visit to Ikenne, they lost 1-0 from a Sikiru Alimi’s 40^th minute goal. He returned again to do the  damage.

His killer-punch in the 53^rd minute secured victory for Remo Stars who had to come back from a goal deficit to clinch a 2-1 win. Rangers’ Kazeem Ogunleye found space in defence line of Remo Stars and unleashed a low drive that caught goalkeeper Kayode Bankole napping.

With a goal up, Enugu Rangers became supercharged and threatening to double the lead. Gradually, the home boys began to gather steam. But the sudden downpour slowed them down as the ball slowed down in the crispy passes that Remo Stars seemed to have adopted.

But as hopes appeared fading, Seun Ogunribide cashed on a defensive lapse as Rangers’ defenders failed to clear their line, giving Remo Stars the equalising goal in the 35^th minute.

Sikiru Alimi with a header then put the home boys ahead in the 53^rd minute . In other centres, two journalism professional colleagues, Paul Bassey, managing Akwa United and his protégé, Godwin Enakhena leading Sporting Lagos, settled for a goalless draw.

The result put the Nigeria Premier League débutantes, Sporting Lagos at the summit of the table after two matchdays.

In other centres, Gombe United secured a 2-0 win over defending champions, Enyimba of Aba while  Kwara United took a 1-0 advantage against Abia United while Lobi Stars laboured to 3-2 win over Sunshine Stars of Akure.

Niger Tornadoes pipped former champions Rivers United by a lone goal while Plateau United won by a lone goal against Heartland to complete the matches of Match Day-two.

Sunday’s Resultes

• Gombe United 2-0 Enyimba
• Akwa United 0-0 Sporting Lagos
• Kwara United 1-0 Abia Warriors
• Lobi Stars 3-2 Sunshine Stars
• Niger Tornadoes 1-0 Rivers United
• Plateau United 1-0 Heartland
• Remo Stars 2-1 Enugu Rangers