NPFL: Remo Stars edge Sunshine Stars in Ikenne showdown

A 66th-minute goal from 16-year-old Matthew Samuel was not enough to earn Sunshine Stars a point in their Week 22 clash of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) against Remo Stars.
Samuel came off the bench to pull one back for Sunshine Stars, converting from Waheed Adebayo’s pass at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, Ogun State.
The youngster, who made his debut against Bayelsa United, had earlier pledged to give his best whenever called upon.
Runaway NPFL leaders Remo Stars took the lead in the 8th minute when Alex Oyowah nodded home from Sikiru Alimi’s long pass.
Sunshine Stars responded swiftly but saw their efforts repeatedly denied by Remo Stars’ resolute defence.
Against the run of play, the Sky Blue side doubled their advantage in the 27th minute through Ibrahim Abubakar, who lobbed the ball past a helpless Ishola Abdulateef.
Sunshine Stars’ Technical Adviser, Abubakar Bala, introduced Matthew Samuel, Vincent Okeke, and Jibola Matthew in place of Esobe Chukwudi, Uche Onwuasonaya, and Dabani Alao in the second half.
Despite their late push and Samuel’s goal, the Owena Whales were unable to find an equaliser.
Sunshine Stars will next travel to Umuahia to face Abia Warriors.