By SCM Sports Correspondent
IKENNE, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA — The beautiful, state-of-the-art Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne proved once again to be the toughest fortress in African football as the Sky Blue Stars downed giants Enyimba 2-1 in a pulsating Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clash yesterday.
In a match that had everything—early goals, a rapid-fire reply, and a stunning winner right before the break—it was Remo Stars’ captain fantastic, Victor Mbaoma, who stole the show. He was the hero in the $1.5 million stadium, built by Remo owner Kunle Soname, which is quickly becoming one of the most respected playing surfaces on the continent.
IKONIC SURFACE
Remo’s home, a jewel of a ground that has earned CAF approval for continental matches, served up a high-tempo thriller that was a superb advert for the Nigerian game. The pristine, modern turf was the stage for a dramatic first half.
Mbaoma, who knows a thing or two about scoring big goals, didn’t wait long to ignite the home crowd, stabbing home a low cross in just the third minute to make it 1-0.
But eight-time Nigerian champions Enyimba, nicknamed ‘The People’s Elephant’, weren’t about to roll over. They struck back through Ezekiel Edidiong just past the half-hour mark, pouncing on a mistake to smash the ball into an empty net to level the score.
But the Sky Blue Stars had other ideas. Right on the stroke of half-time, as the ref checked his watch, the Ikenne faithful exploded.
Mbaoma popped up again, heading home from close range after a wicked delivery from a free-kick. 2-1! The goal, delivered with the final touch of the half, proved to be the winner in a tense second period where both sides traded blows without success.
The victory not only ended a tricky run of defeats for the home side but also solidified the Remo Stars Stadium as a venue to be feared, proving its pedigree for hosting top-tier, dramatic football.
Would you like me to find out about Remo Stars’ next fixture at their Ikenne stadium?