Tensions are mounting as the highly-anticipated Naija Super 8 final looms, pitting Remo Stars FC against Sporting Lagos in a fierce battle for the coveted N25 million prize money at Onikan’s Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
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Both privately-owned Nigerian Premier League teams are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for glory, igniting a war of words before the epic clash. The match serves as the grand finale of the prestigious off-season football tournament organized by Flykite Productions in collaboration with MultiChoice Nigeria, alongside esteemed sponsors such as MTN, Hero Lager, DStv, GOtv, SuperSport, Moniepoint, Pepsi, and Custodian Assurance.
Having secured the runners-up position in the 2023 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) behind champions Enyimba, Remo Stars now face the challenge of taking on newly promoted NPFL side, Sporting Lagos, in the ultimate showdown.
Remo Stars’ passage to the final was confirmed following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Lobi Stars in the gripping semi-final encounter on Friday. Meanwhile, Sporting Lagos showcased their resilience by bouncing back from a goal deficit to triumph 2-1 over Akwa United.
Expressing unwavering confidence, Remo Stars coach Daniel Ogunmodede declared that his team is poised to claim the trophy. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as these two talented sides prepare to lock horns and leave no doubt as to who will emerge as the ultimate champions of the Naija Super 8 tournament.
“I am sure we are going to win this trophy. Everything gives me assurance that we will win it” he said.
Reflecting on the victory over Lobi Stars, the coach of Remo Stars said, “we were well prepared for Lobi Stars, and are now eyeing the trophy. I had the opportunity to watch Lobi Stars earlier in this tournament and we prepared well against complacency because this is a different Lobi Stars team, with a new manager. We were in control of the match. And when we needed to defend, the boys defended well”.
Sporting Lagos, not to be outdone in their ambitions, enter the final of the Naija Super 8 tournament with coach John Offor brimming with expectations. This marks the second encounter between Sporting Lagos and Remo Stars in this highly competitive eight-team competition. However, the path to the final has differed for the two teams.
Remo Stars fought their way to the tournament through the south-west zonal conference held in Eket, Akwa Ibom. In contrast, Sporting Lagos received a wild card entry to the national tournament, granting them a shorter journey and fewer matches played.
Nevertheless, Coach John Offor remains upbeat about his team’s chances in the final clash against Remo Stars. Their advantageous circumstances, including reduced travel and a lesser number of matches, may offer them a fresh and well-rested perspective as they vie for the coveted Naija Super 8 championship.
As the tension builds and the final draws near, both teams are poised to give their all on the pitch. With Sporting Lagos’ coach displaying unwavering confidence, the stage is set for a captivating showdown between these two formidable contenders. The Naija Super 8 final promises to be a thrilling encounter, with Sporting Lagos eager to make their mark and seize the tournament title.
Speaking to reporters after the semifinal game against Akwa United, coach Offor said, “Whatever the result on Sunday, we have achieved our aim for the season. We will come out to express and enjoy ourselves today and see what comes out of it,” he said.
On how he masterminded the defeat of Akwa United, the Sporting Lagos gaffer said, “I’ve had the opportunity of watching Akawa United play. We learnt about them in the first half. We saw how they played and we played two strikers to counter them in the second half. The first fifteen minutes of that second half was the best we’ve played this season”.
The Naija Super 8 final kicks off at 5pm today, with the champions going home with the trophy and N25m while the runners-up will pocket N9 million for their efforts
