Remo Stars finally gave their fans something to celebrate at home on Sunday as they battled to a 1-0 victory over Warri Wolves in Abeokuta, a result that lifted them to the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after three rounds of matches.
Super-sub Samson Olasupo proved the hero, striking in the 76th minute to end the Sky Blue Stars’ search for a first home win of the season.
The forward’s goal ensured Remo extended their unbeaten run, following their opening-day draw against Rivers United and an away victory at Kun Khalifat.
With head coach Daniel Ogunmodede away on national duty with the Super Eagles, assistant Sulaimon Folarin took charge and masterminded a disciplined performance that delivered maximum points.
The hosts signalled their intent early when captain Olamilekan Adedayo tested Wolves goalkeeper Vincent Edafe inside two minutes.
From there, Remo dominated possession, pressing high and creating chances through Samuel Anakwe, Alex Oyowah and Ibrahim Shuaibu. Anakwe came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 25th minute, his audacious lob from Adedayo’s pass beating Edafe but crashing off the crossbar.
Despite Remo’s pressure, Wolves nearly punished them on the stroke of halftime, but Sabitu Abiola was alert to parry away a long-range strike and keep the scoreline goalless.
After the break, the game opened up further. Sodiq Oshidero spurned a golden chance three minutes into the second half, but Folarin’s double substitution in the 54th minute proved decisive.
The introductions of Olasupo and Haruna Hadi injected urgency, and the duo combined brilliantly for the winning goal. Hadi slipped a neat through ball into Olasupo’s path, and the forward showed calmness beyond his years to slot past Edafe.
The goal sent the home crowd — and club owner Kunle Soname in the stands — into raptures. Wolves responded by throwing bodies forward, with Stanley Joseph producing a vital goal-line clearance in the 84th minute to preserve the lead.
Substitute Ohanu Justus also tried his luck from distance deep into stoppage time, but Abiola gathered comfortably.
The final whistle sparked jubilation among the Sky Blue Stars, who now lead the table on seven points, ahead of Wikki Tourist and Bayelsa United.
For Wolves, the defeat was their first of the season after back-to-back wins over Rangers International and Katsina United, and they slipped to fourth place.
Next up, Remo Stars face a tricky away trip to Plateau United in Jos, while Warri Wolves will attempt to bounce back at home against Kwara United in Ozoro.
