By George Akpayen
Sikiru Alimi helped himself to a double in Remo Stars’ 3-0 win over Niger Tornadoes in a Matchday 32 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Friday.
Both goals from the former 3SC and Warri Wolves man has ensured he now leads the race for the top scorer award this season and takes his tally for the season to 14 goals.
Remo Stars began on the front foot with Dela Akorli nearly opening the scoring after just three minutes into the contest. Seven minutes later, the Ghanaian striker missed another chance to set Remo Stars rolling.
The title contenders continued to press from the front and gave Tornadoes no chance to play out from the back and 15 minutes into the game, Jide Fatokun missed the opportunity to put Remo Stars ahead from close range by directing his header off target.
On 28 minutes, Alimi put Remo Stars on front from the spot after Sylvester Bell handled the ball in his box to block Sodiq Ismail’s cross.
It did not take long for Alimi to get his second of the game. He was on hand to tap in Haruna Hadi’s pass into the net from close range after 31 minutes.
Tornadoes tried to find their way back into the contest in the final 15 minutes of the first half through Mohammed Hussaini, Clinton Jephta and Ikechukwu Nwani without success.
However, the second half was dominated by the away side. Ten minutes into the restart, Tornadoes almost pulled one back when Jephta’s shot struck the crossbar.
Idris Saidu and Bashir Usman also came close to scoring for Tornadoes before Ahmed Akinyele scored from a follow-up in the 74th minute after Joshua Enaholo prevented Alimi to getting his hattrick.
Tornadoes had one final moment to trim the lead of their opponents to two when Jephta and Victor Okoro combined to good effect to set up Azeez Akintunde who squandered the chance.
The win now ensures Remo Stars move into the top-two positions on the NPFL standings ahead of other contenders, Enyimba, Lobi Stars and Plateau United who play on Sunday.