Remo Stars head coach Daniel Ogunmodede remains upbeat about his team’s title chances in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) despite a narrow 1-0 defeat to Rivers United on Sunday in Port Harcourt.
In a tense top-of-the-table clash at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, an 84th-minute header by Bolu Sholumade sealed the win for Rivers United and reduced Remo Stars’ lead to five points.
Sholumade, a former Sunshine Stars defender, capitalised on a cross from ex-teammate Taiwo Abdulrafiu to hand Finidi George’s Rivers side a crucial victory in the title race.
But Ogunmodede is confident the title remains within reach for Remo Stars, who still have a game in hand against Lobi Stars.
“We lost concentration in split seconds and we paid for it,” the coach admitted post-match. “We had three glaring chances, and in general, it was a good game for both sides. It showed how much we both wanted it.”
The Remo boss insisted there was no cause for panic.
“No complications. We go back home, get a win, and we’re back to an eight-point cushion. We have three home games left and we will fight for maximum points. It’s a fierce competition — and we love it. We are almost there. In the next six weeks, we should be talking about this.”
With six matches remaining, Remo Stars sit atop the NPFL table with 60 points, while Rivers United trail with 55.
The Ikenne-based side are chasing their first-ever league title in the club’s 15-year history, having narrowly missed out in the last two campaigns to Enyimba and Rangers International.
