Remo Stars lose to Heartland, maintain lead as NPFL goes on break

Fans celebrating Heartland’s 3-1 defeat of Remo Stars in Owerri…yesterday

League leaders, Remo Stars of Ikenne, yesterday, lost 1-3to Heartland of Owerri but the defeat was not enough to knock them off the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) ladder as they remain on 29 points, the same with their closest rivals, Lobi Stars, who beat Niger Tornadoes 1-0 in Lafia.

The Week 16 matches started on Thursday with Sunshine Stars beating Doma United 2-0 in Akure courtesy of goals from Emmanuel Isaac (19th minute) and Olufemi Adesina (47th minute).

Yesterday at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Heartland took the lead via a penalty converted by Promise Anyanwu in the 50th minute, but Sikiru Alimi in the 69th minute.

Onyekachi Okafor restored Heartland’s lead in the 94th minute, while Chinedu Ike made the victory certain two minutes later.

Kumanda Suur’s 75th minute goal was enough to draw Lobi Stars level on same 29 points with Remo Stars, but the Ikenne boys remain top of the table on superior goals difference.

Enyimba were the highest winner as they beat Bayelsa United 2-1 away in Yenagoa courtesy of goals by Ekene Awazie 65th minute and an 81st minute penalty, with the hosts getting their lone goal in the 72nd minute through Israel Consul.

In other matches, Katsina Unted defeated Akwa United 1-0, Rivers United drew 1-1 with Bendel Insurance, Kano Pillars beat Kwara United 2-1, which is the same margin Plateau United defeated Sporting Lagos in Jos.

Enugu Rangers marked their return to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium after two years with a 2-0 defeat of old foes, Shooting Stars of Ibadan, while Abia Warriors were 3-1 better than Gombe United in Umuahia.

The competition, which was on a short break for the Christmas holidays, will go on another short