Naija Super 8: NPFL champions Enyimba lose to Remo Stars
The highly anticipated inaugural edition of the Naija Super 8 football competition kicked off in style on Friday July 7 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
The first match saw Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) champions Enyimba International lose on third attempt to league runners-up Remo Stars of Ikenne.
The match started at 4:30 p.m., after a rain shower that almost flooded the pitch, but the match kept its promises.
Enyimba dominated the first 10 minutes and created sporadic chances. Chigozie Obasi's free-kick attempt narrowly missed the mark. Remo Stars gradually grew in the game and the action became end-to-end.
In the 21st minute, new Remo Stars signing Isaac James crossed the back line with a few jumps before moving past Enyimba goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo.
The lead lasted just four minutes as Chisom Okereke completed a brilliant team move for Enyimba to level the scores.
Fabian Nworie made his debut in the 40th minute, replacing Boniface Nwaeze. The first half ended 1-1.
The second half started like the first, with no noticeable difference between the two teams. In the 55th minute, Enyimba made a double substitution bringing in Stephen Chukwude and Ekene Awazie. Visible fatigue led to the replacement of Adiele Eriugo and Nonso Nzediegwu.
Seun Ogunribide's tap-in, after a fine hold-up play, and an assist from debutant Isaac James in the 58th minute put the Ikenne-based side back in front. As much as Enyimba tried, they couldn't find a way past Kayode Bankole.
READ ALSO: Nigerian Soccer Star Appeals Danish Rape ConvictionCoach Daniel Ogunmodede's side saw the game beyond the line, winning 2-1, a character they failed to show in the Super Six, which saw them finish second. It was the first victory in three attempts against the team managed by Finidi after the previous two ended in stalemates.
During the half-time break, spectators were treated to a captivating performance by Portable, the artist known for the hit song “Zazu”. Her dazzling performance added to the overall enjoyment of the event, creating a memorable moment for the audience.
The tournament continues on Saturday when Akwa United and Yobe Desert Stars face off in the first game of Group B at 2:30 p.m., while Rivers United and Lobi Stars will face off in the second game of the day.
Support PREMIUM TIMES integrity and credibility journalism Good journalism is very expensive. Yet only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy and a transparent government. For free and continued access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider your modest support of this noble endeavour.
The highly anticipated inaugural edition of the Naija Super 8 football competition kicked off in style on Friday July 7 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.
The first match saw Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) champions Enyimba International lose on third attempt to league runners-up Remo Stars of Ikenne.
The match started at 4:30 p.m., after a rain shower that almost flooded the pitch, but the match kept its promises.
Enyimba dominated the first 10 minutes and created sporadic chances. Chigozie Obasi's free-kick attempt narrowly missed the mark. Remo Stars gradually grew in the game and the action became end-to-end.
In the 21st minute, new Remo Stars signing Isaac James crossed the back line with a few jumps before moving past Enyimba goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo.
The lead lasted just four minutes as Chisom Okereke completed a brilliant team move for Enyimba to level the scores.
Fabian Nworie made his debut in the 40th minute, replacing Boniface Nwaeze. The first half ended 1-1.
The second half started like the first, with no noticeable difference between the two teams. In the 55th minute, Enyimba made a double substitution bringing in Stephen Chukwude and Ekene Awazie. Visible fatigue led to the replacement of Adiele Eriugo and Nonso Nzediegwu.
Seun Ogunribide's tap-in, after a fine hold-up play, and an assist from debutant Isaac James in the 58th minute put the Ikenne-based side back in front. As much as Enyimba tried, they couldn't find a way past Kayode Bankole.
READ ALSO: Nigerian Soccer Star Appeals Danish Rape ConvictionCoach Daniel Ogunmodede's side saw the game beyond the line, winning 2-1, a character they failed to show in the Super Six, which saw them finish second. It was the first victory in three attempts against the team managed by Finidi after the previous two ended in stalemates.
During the half-time break, spectators were treated to a captivating performance by Portable, the artist known for the hit song “Zazu”. Her dazzling performance added to the overall enjoyment of the event, creating a memorable moment for the audience.
The tournament continues on Saturday when Akwa United and Yobe Desert Stars face off in the first game of Group B at 2:30 p.m., while Rivers United and Lobi Stars will face off in the second game of the day.
Support PREMIUM TIMES integrity and credibility journalism Good journalism is very expensive. Yet only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy and a transparent government. For free and continued access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider your modest support of this noble endeavour.
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