Victor Mbaoma penalty and Michael Ibe injury‐time strike seal the comeback for the reigning champions.
Remo Stars gave their fans a night to remember on Monday after staging a dramatic late comeback to beat El-Kanemi Warriors 2–1 in an intense Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) encounter at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Ikenne. The reigning champions, who had been winless in their last four league games, showed grit, patience, and the kind of championship resilience that once defined their title run.
The Sky Blue Stars began the match under pressure, aware that anything short of victory could deepen their slide down the table. Having failed to win since early October, Daniel Ogunmodede’s men needed a strong response to silence their critics. But it was the visiting El-Kanemi Warriors who drew first blood.
After a goalless first half in which Remo Stars dominated possession but lacked precision in the final third, the visitors stunned the home crowd just before the hour mark. Jonas Emmanuel rose highest to meet a cross and directed a powerful header past the helpless Kayode Bankole to hand El-Kanemi a shock 1–0 lead. The goal momentarily deflated the Ikenne faithful, who could hardly believe what they were witnessing – another possible setback for the NPFL champions on home soil.
The goal, however, jolted Remo Stars into life. Ogunmodede urged his players forward, switching play more aggressively through the flanks. The introduction of fresh legs in attack shifted momentum, with Victor Mbaoma and Michael Ibe looking increasingly dangerous against a tiring El-Kanemi back line.
As the minutes ticked away, tension grew inside the MKO Abiola Stadium.
The Sky Blue Stars poured forward in waves, forcing the visitors deeper into their own half. Their persistence finally paid off in the 88th minute when Victor Mbaoma was brought down inside the box after a clever run. The striker, showing nerves of steel, picked himself up and calmly slotted home the penalty to bring Remo Stars level.
The equaliser ignited a roar of relief from the stands, but Remo Stars weren’t done. Deep into stoppage time, as El-Kanemi tried to hang on for a point, chaos ensued in the box after a corner kick wasn’t properly cleared. The ball fell kindly to Michael Ibe, who unleashed a low drive that flew into the net in the fifth minute of added time; sparking wild celebrations from the home fans and bench alike.
It was a finish befitting champions. From near despair to elation, Remo Stars turned what seemed like another frustrating evening into a statement of intent. The 2–1 victory not only snapped their winless streak but also lifted them out of the relegation zone, providing renewed hope for the club’s supporters and a reminder to rivals that the champions are far from finished.
For head coach Daniel Ogunmodede, the comeback reflected his team’s mental strength. “The boys showed character tonight,” he said after the match. “We’ve been through a difficult spell, but this performance shows what we’re capable of when we believe in ourselves. It’s a win that can turn our season around.”
El-Kanemi Warriors, on the other hand, will rue their missed opportunity. After taking the lead and defending stoutly for most of the match, they succumbed to late pressure. Still, their organized display for much of the encounter showed they have the quality to trouble any side in the division.
For Remo Stars, the focus now shifts to Thursday’s rescheduled Matchday 9 fixture against Rangers International. A win there would mark back-to-back victories for the first time since September and could signal the start of a revival.
For the Sky Blue Stars and their fans in Ikenne, the night belonged to resilience and the belief that the champions are ready to rise again. Stay with Hot Sports Scoops for exclusive Nigerian-focused sports coverage — home and abroad.