Nasarawa United reclaimed top spot in the Nigeria Premier Football eague (NPFL) after coming from behind to see off champions Remo Stars 2-1 in a rearranged fixture at the Lafia City Stadium on Thursday.
The champions took an early lead through Michael Ibe Okoro on five minutes and it looked like the Sky Blue Stars will shake off their poor run of form which has led to speculations of the departure of their head coach Daniel Ogunmodede – a story already debunked by the club.
Ibe’s goal surely stirred the fire in the Solid Miners as they swarmed on the visiting side and pegged them back for most of the opening exchanges of the first half.
On 32 minutes, John Joshua drew Nasarawa United level as the match went into the break tied at 1-1.
Thirteen minutes into the second half, Malian forward Adama Goita nearly restored the champions lead but watched as his attempt missed target.
It was Nasarawa United that would end up claiming the full points when JoFrank Istifanus scored the winner in the 79th minute despite the Sky Blue Stars’ best attempt to even the score in the final moments of the contest.
Nasarawa United move back to the top of the NPFL standings with 22 points, one ahead of second-placed Abia Warriors while Remo Stars remain in the bottom-four.
In Benin City, Kennedy Boboye was made to wait by an organised Rivers United for his first win since taking the reins at Bendel Insurance.
Boboye has been in charge of three matches so far since replacing Greg Ikhenoba and all three games have ended in draws.
Bendel Insurance and Rivers United will now turn their attention to the next matchday when they face Plateau United and Kun Khalifat FC on the road.