Odibo scores a beauty as Remo Stars defeat Shooting in derby, go top of Group A

Rem Stars have overtaken Bendel Insurance at the top of the 2023 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Group A standings, following a 2-0 victory over Shooting Stars in the Southwestern derby.

It becomes the Sky Blues' third consecutive win since the start of the season, having also overcome El-Kanemi Warriors and Gombe United in their previous matches.

The victory also sees the Ikenne club surpass their winning record of two matches at the start of the 2021/22 NPFL season.

Heading to the Remo Stars Stadium on Wednesday, Shooting Stars who had failed to win in any of their last two matches were hoping to get a bright start to the season.

However, things were not to be so as the hosts dominated proceedings from the kickoff, although attempts from Dayo Ojo, Olalekan Dayo and Samuel Anakwe failed to make a difference.

Shooting Stars somehow found a goal off a cross into the box, however, the referee cancelled Malomo Taofeeq's attempt following an infringement on a Remo Stars player prior to the goal.

In a bid to avoid a similar situation, the hosts came back stronger in the second half.

On the hour mark, Andy Okpe beat his marker to drift into the box and square a pass, before Alex Aghahowa put the ball in his net, enough to help Sky Blues get on the front foot.

Twelve minutes later, substitute Godwin Odibo was released on the right wing after a lobbed pass, the winger made no mistake to double his side's lead with a fabulous left-footed finish.

Remo Stars would eventually seal to win, to go top of their group and ahead of Bendel Insurance on goal difference, while for Shooting Stars, the defeat see them drop into the relegation quarters.