NPFL Super 6: Drama, anguish, relief on match–day two News

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NPFL Super 6: Drama, anguish, relief on match–day two

By Daily Sports Nigeria on June 6, 2023

Fans were kept on the edge of their seats in the second game of match-day two of the 2022/23 Nigeria Professional Football League Super 6 playoffs, as defending champions Rivers United and Remo Stars played out a pulsating 2-2 draw at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Monday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The defending champions began on the front foot, and their early pressure paid off in the 16th minute courtesy of Nyima Nwagua, who poked home from close range to give Rivers United the lead at the break.

Just like their first game against Enyimba, coach Daniel Ogunmodede threw Junior Lokosa and Olamilekan Adams into the fray in the second half, and their introduction inspired the equaliser for Olamilekan Adedayo, who squeezed a shot past Victor Sochima, in goal for Rivers United.

Remo continued to pile pressure after the equaliser and they came close to taking the lead twice, but Lokosa had a shot blocked from inside the box, while Adams Olamilekan also failed to convert from close range.

At the other end, Rivers also searched for a late winner, but Chiamaka Madu struck the post from close range after being set up with a cut back from Mark Gibson.

There was still more time for drama in stoppage, time with two goals in the last minute of added time for either side. Adedayo smashed home a loose ball from long range to hand Remo what would have been a stoppage time winner to send their fans and officials into wild celebrations.

But as Remo fans and their bench, led by head coach Daniel Ognumodede celebrated their ‘victory’, Rivers United responded quickly through Lukman Adefemi with the backbreaking equaliser, which sent the Remo players crashing onto the pitch after the final whistle.

The game ended 2-2, leaving Remo with more work to do to revive their challenge against Sunshine Stars on Wednesday, while Rivers United are now joint top with Enyimba with four points ahead of their game against Lobi Stars.

Finidi relieved after Lobi win

Earlier in the day, Enyimba coach Finidi George heaved a sigh of relief after Enyimba recorded their first win at the ongoing 2022/23 Nigeria Professional Football League Super 6 playoffs, beating Lobi Stars 1-0 on Monday in the first game of the day.

League top scorer, Emeka Obioma, was on song again as his 16th goal of the season proved enough for Enyimba to overcome their opponents. The striker benefited from goalkeeper Daniel Atsaka’s poor judgement of a long throw-in, nodding into an empty net in the 15th minute.

Despite Lobi’s pressure, the People’s Elephant saw off the game to take their points tally to four, after playing out a 2-2 draw in their first game against Remo Stars on Saturday.

Finidi was visibly delighted during his post-match presser, as he hailed both teams for coping with the weather condition.

“I am very happy we got the three points. It was a difficult game, but at the end of the day, we deserved the win. After every victory, the motivation will be high, so, we will see how to get the boys recovered for the next game and hopefully make one or two changes as well,” Finidi said.

His Lobi counterpart Baba Ganaru, whose side have just a point after playing a goalless draw in their first game versus Insurance, rued their missed chances against the eight-time league champions.

“The boys did very well, but the most important thing in football is getting the goals. Today, we were very wasteful, just like the first game. We conceded a cheap goal, a mistake from the goalkeeper and we were punished for not taking our chances,” Ganaru said after the game.

Having played both of their matches at 2pm, Enyimba’s next game is another early kick off against Bendel Insurance on Wednesday, while Lobi Stars will hope to bounce back against champions Rivers United same day.

Sunshine hold Insurance

In the last game of the day, Bendel Insurance were forced to a 1-1 draw by Sunshine Stars, marking a second consecutive draw in the playoffs for the Benin Arsenal.

Midfielder Divine Nwachukwu put Insurance ahead with a goal in the first half, while Ekerete Udom levelled matters for Sunshine following a goalmouth scramble in the 62nd minute.

Insurance remain unbeaten but have just two points and sit fourth on the table, while Sunshine Stars are fifth with one point.

Source Punch Ng

Posted June 6, 2023