PENTALK360 
Remo Stars extended their perfect start to the 2023 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season with a 1-0 victory over Sunshine Stars on Saturday, while Heartland FC continued their early-season struggles, falling 3-1 to Rivers United.
The Sky Blue Stars, who opened their campaign with a convincing 2-0 win against Abia Warriors, followed up with another triumph in the Southwest Derby at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne. Former FC Giwa striker, Shuaibu Ibrahim, made the decisive contribution, scoring the only goal of the match in the seventh minute. It marked his first goal for the club, following his recent return to Nigeria after a stint in Europe.
Ibrahim displayed great composure, holding off a Sunshine defender after receiving a pass from centre-back Ifeanyi Anaemena, before slotting home the match-winner. Sunshine Stars responded valiantly, with Kennedy Boboye’s side threatening to equalize. Nduka Junior cleared a potential goal off the line, while Remo goalkeeper Obassa Adebiyi made a crucial save from Elmer Arunta’s late free-kick.
The victory propels Remo Stars to the top of the NPFL standings with six points, two clear of second-placed Rivers United.
Earlier in the day, Rivers United recorded a comfortable 3-1 victory over Heartland FC in Port Harcourt. The home side took an early lead in the third minute when Taofeek Otaniyi headed in a cross from Aniekeme Okon. Heartland equalized just before halftime, courtesy of Christian Molokwu, who capitalized on a defensive error following a long throw-in from Chijioke Opara.
However, Kabir Abdullahi, who came on as a substitute for Ubong Friday, restored Rivers United’s lead on the hour mark. Abdullahi sealed the win in stoppage time, bagging his second goal of the match.
Heartland’s second consecutive defeat puts pressure on newly appointed head coach Emmanuel Amuneke, whose side also lost 3-1 to Enyimba on Matchday 1.
Matchday 2 continues on Sunday with a double-header live on StarTimes. Akwa United will host Abia Warriors at 3 p.m., followed by Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) against Plateau United at 5:30 p.m. Four other fixtures are scheduled for 4 p.m. on Sunday.
