Reno Stars may be a newly promoted football team in the current Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) but their daring aspiration has kept the Sky Blue boys on top of the log without a loss in four games.
The NPFL returnee came into the Nest of Champions with a wild ambition to pick three points in the Uyo match against Dakkada FC.
However, Dakkada FC boys took the lead through Muritala Lawal’s 12th-minute goal. However, the hard-fighting visitors, secured an equalizer through S. Anakwe 30 minutes later.
All efforts by the home team to get ahead in the second half proved abortive thus ending the match in a draw.
Perhaps Dakkada FC earned some respect as the first team to lead Remo Stars this season before their eventual level-up minutes before halftime. The two teams have not met before in NPFL.
“Dakkada has what it takes to contest for the league title, but today we thank God we were able to get a point off them on the road. It’s a good one for us…” Coach Ogunbote said after the match.
“We had our game plan, how to approach it and later put more speed, but it was very unlucky for us.
“We expected the game to be very tough. I think the two teams gave a good account of themselves. The players put in their best,” Dakkada coach, Umar Danlami, explained.
Meanwhile, in Lafia, Nasarawa United had their first victory in the season when they beat visiting Akwa United 2-0.
After a goalless first-half, Nasarawa scored through Udeh T. on the 52nd minute while former league top scorer, Nwachukwu Silas, doubled the Solid Miners tally in the 83rd minute.
It was the first time the NPFL defending champions was tasting defeat after three games.
“We came in the second half but the players I substituted were not giving us what we needed,” said Akwa United coach.
For coach Bala Nikyu,
“Two draws away, one home draw and a home win is a step forward. We are balanced and ready after four matches.”