Table toppers, Remo Stars avoided a costly slip-off after rallying back from two goals down to get a win against Abia Warriors in their Nigeria Premier Football League match day 21 on Wednesday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The Sky Blue Stars staged a comeback to win 3-2 against the Umuahia Warriors after going behind in the first half at the Remo Stars Stadium.
The visitors were ahead utilizing two quick opportunities on 25 and 27 minutes respectively through Ayodele Ezekiel and Antoine Ijoma.
Ezekiel opened the score through a header from a corner before Antoine doubled the lead after a fine team play.
The home side reacted immediately as expected, but Togolese Franck Mawuena's attempt was saved by the goalkeeper following a pass from Sikiru Alimi in the 29th minute.
Coach Daniel Ogunmodede thereafter made three changes a couple of minutes later with Fabian, ThankGod, and Nwokeji going out for Oyowah, Haruna, and Jabbar.
The substitutions worked like magic as the hosts pulled one back in the 37th minute through Olamilekan Adedayo who bent home a curler after being fed by substitute Jabbar Malik.
The woodwork denied Remo the equalizer after Sikiru Alimi hit the underside off a long-range shot in the 43rd minute.
Two minutes later Oyowah found Haruna in the box, but the midfielder could only hit the hands of the goalkeeper.
The home side continued with the momentum and the equaliser came a minute into the additional time. Jabbar Malik pounced to stab home, after the goalkeeper had saved Alimi’s shot to end the first half 2-2.
The second half started with Remo Stars dictating the pace of the game and Jabbar causing trouble for the Abia State-based side.
In the 54th minute, the comeback was complete as Franck Mawuena rose highest in the box to direct home a deft cross from Tochuwku Michael.
The push for more goals didn't stop as Jabbar, Alimi, Hadi, and Anakwe remained threats to the visitors until the final whistle.
The Sky Blue Stars are now 6 points above second place Shooting Stars and 8 points above third place Rivers United with a game in hand for both teams who play on Thursday.
Uche Dozie