Remo Stars pick NPFL promotion ticket at the expense of Bendel Insurance

September, 12 2021.

The much awaited controversy of which team picks the last ticket to NPFL finally come to an end as Remo Stars joined 3SC in the Nigeria elite league following their 2 - 2 draw versus Insurance in a tension soaked encounter decided at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium in Enugu

Two South-west teams, Shooting Stars and Remo Stars picked the two tickets available in the NNL Super 8 group B to seal their promotion to play in Nigeria Professional Football League.

The controversial final group B match between Remo Stars and Insurance was full of several activites starting off the pitch to the match itself.

The two team gave good account of themselves right from commencement of proceedings to the end of the match with great intensity, good football and intrigues.

Bendel Insurance took the lead on 32 minute through Imade Osarekhoe who slotted a low pass from Sariki Ismail into the net.

The Sky Blue Stars restored parity when Olasupo wins a free kick, Ogunribide steps up to take it and Nduka jump highest to head home the equalizer on 42 minutes.

Both teams went to the break with a goal apiece.

Both teams created scoring chances at the early minute of the resumption but could not find the net.

However, it was Remo Stars that took the lead on 65th minute through Akanni Qudus whose left footed long range strike beat Insurance goalie to go in front for the first time in the game.

Insurance threw more bodies in front and dominated possession as Remo Stars sat back in their half to defend their lead.

The Pressure from the 'Benin Arsenal' finally paid off as Ojo Tolulope level up with a fantastic goal 75th minute to give the Benin based team a life line in the game.

Insurance mounted more pressure in search of the winner that could guarantee them a spot in the NPFL next season but the resilient defense of Remo Stars kept them at bay as the game ended 2 - 2 draw.

With this result, Remo Stars booked their place in the NPFL next season. They joined 3SC who topped the table. While Insurance will have to wait another season in the NNL.

Niger Tornadoes of Niger State, Shooting Stars of Ibadan, Gombe Unite and Remo Stars of Ogun State are the four teams that promoted to the Nigeria Professional Football League.