Remo Stars, Lobi qualify for Naija Super Eight national finals

Lobi Stars celebrating qualification for Naija Super Eight National Play-off in Eket….yesterday.

High-riding Remo Stars of Ikenne, who a fortnight ago in Lagos qualified for the 2023/24 CAF Champions League through the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) Championship Play-off, yesterday in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, continued their fine season with qualification for the national finals of the ongoing Naija Super Eight Play-off.

In a demonstration of the changing power game in the Southwest region, Remo Stars defeated the most successful club from the region, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, 3-0, to advance to the national finals billed for Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, from July 7 to 16.

The Ikenne boys, driven by the craft of midfielder Qudus Akanni, raced into a two-goal lead within 12 minutes. Andy Okpe gave Remo Stars the lead with a tidy finish in the seventh minute, while Nweze Boniface doubled the lead five minutes later with a free header from a corner kick.

3SC rallied to reduce the deficit, but could not convert their chances, as Remo Stars took their two-goal lead into the break.

The second half was a shadow of the first, as both sides struggled to create chances. But Samuel Anakwe finally put the game beyond 3SC with the third goal in the 74th minute, tapping home a low cross from close range.

With the victory, Remo Stars maintained their unbeaten run against the Ibadan-based side.

Earlier in the opening game of the competition, Lobi Stars picked the North-Central zone ticket by defeating City FC of Abuja 4-3 on penalties in a thrilling match.

In the game at the Eket Township Stadium, City FC started on the front foot and had a clear chance to take the lead in the seventh minute, but failed to make it