Remo Stars celebrated their return to Ikenne on Sunday with a decisive 2-0 victory over Katsina United, earning their second win of the year as the fight to avoid relegation heats up.
Haruna Hadi emerged as the standout performer for the Sky Blue Stars, netting a quick-fire brace that marked a promising start to life under new head coach Usman Abdallah, who took charge just last Thursday.
Following a goalless first half, Hadi opened the scoring in the 60th minute, latching onto a piercing pass from Albert Korvah and expertly slotting past the Katsina United goalkeeper. Just two minutes later, Hadi struck again, this time finishing off a neat layoff from Victor Mbaoma to double Remo Stars’ advantage.
The win ended a frustrating eight-game winless run for Remo Stars, whose previous victory came against Ikorodu City in a tense South-West derby on January 14. That fixture also marked their initial return to Ikenne after renovations forced them away, but subsequent crowd trouble resulted in the team being relocated first to Ibadan and then Akure for home matches. During that difficult stretch, Remo Stars lost five times and drew twice before finally breaking their drought on Sunday.
With this result, the defending champions climb to 18th place with 30 points from 28 games, just ahead of Kwara United and Kun Khalifat—both with 29 points—while Kano Pillars sit narrowly above on 32 points.
Elsewhere, 2024 champions Rangers International temporarily claimed top spot after first-half goals from Godwin Obaje and Chidiebere Nwobodo secured a 2-0 home win over Nasarawa United in Enugu.
In Yenagoa, Rivers United suffered a third straight defeat after captain Temple Emekayi’s own goal, dropping them to second place with 46 points—one behind Rangers, who still have three games in hand.
At the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, Alex Oweilayefa’s hat-trick and a goal from Wisdom Udom powered Bendel Insurance to a commanding 4-0 win over Ikorodu City.
Meanwhile, there was no relief for nine-time champions Enyimba, who were held to a 1-1 draw at home by bottom-placed Kun Khalifat. James Ekebuike put the visitors ahead in the 38th minute before Ekene Awazie salvaged a point for Enyimba with a late equalizer.
Shooting Stars SC also made a triumphant return to Ibadan on Sunday, earning a 2-1 victory over Kano Pillars and forcing the visitors back into the relegation zone.
