The trio of Enyimba, Remo Stars and Rivers United picked up the continental slots at the 2023 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Championship Playoffs that was concluded in Lagos on Sunday, www.aclsports.com reports.
Enyimba clinched the title in a tense game at the expense of Rivers United, while Remo Stars booked their spot on the continent with a nervy win over Bendel Insurance earlier in the day at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan.
After an abridged season that produced, Bendel Insurance, Remo Stars, Enyimba, Rivers United, Lobi Stars, and Sunshine Stars, the teams converged in Lagos for the week-long tournament to determine the league champion, CAF Champions League, and Confederation Cup representatives. The coast was clear before the rainy final day, as Remo Stars, Enyimba, and Rivers United all claimed wins on match four.
Fight for the last position
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Sunshine Stars and Lobi Stars faced off in the first game on the wet surface and it was the Akure side that triumphed 3-1 in the one-sided encounter. Former Enyimba man Stephen Chukwude headed home Isaac Emeka’s exquisite delivery in the 22nd minute. Michael Olalusi then doubled their lead just before the break from Lucky Gyang’s cut-back.
Substitute Elijah Ani pulled one back for the Makurdi side before two substitutes – Temitope Vincent and Promise Awosanmi – combined to restore their two-goal cushion. It was their only win of the playoffs, but it was enough to help them finish fourth in the final standings.
Back on the continent in style
Remo Stars missed out on the league title by goal difference, as they defeated rival Bendel Insurance 1-0 in the second game of the day. It was the Ikenne side who needed to avoid defeat against the Benin Arsenals to at least clinch a third-place finish. However, they went a step further by securing second spot.
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Midfielder Akanni Qudus’ goal in the first half was the game’s only goal, to help the Sky Blue Stars return to the continent for the second successive season. By virtue of their first win over Insurance, they zoomed into the CAF Champions League for next season.
Ninth title sealed in Lagos
Enyimba claimed their ninth league crown after playing out a 1-1 draw with 2022 champions Rivers United. Ekene Awazie set the People’s Elephant on their way after capitalizing on a mix-up in the Rivers United box five minutes before the break. Just three minutes after the break, Nyima Nwagua leveled the score for Stanley Eguma’s side.
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However, Finidi George’s side stood strong to hold out for a draw, which was enough to help them seal another league title in Lagos. Their previous two were also sealed in Lagos back in 2015 and 2019.
Enyimba and Remo Stars will represent Nigeria in the CAF Champions League, while Rivers United will make do with the CAF Confederation Cup.
