The captain of Remo Stars FC of Ikenne, Junior Nduka has come out with a vocal list of clubs that made this season ‘very competitive’ in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).
While reflecting on the array of matches that eventually saw his team end up in second place on the final table, Nduka said all the teams fought hard for the title.
He then surprisingly singled out Doma United, Lobi Stars, Shooting Stars and Plateau United among the clubs that gave his team a run for their money, but ended by noting that Rangers International of Enugu had an edge above all others.
The smooth-talking skipper further pointed out that the season was equally remarkable for the battles fought by several clubs to get three continental spots available, as well as terse confrontations at the pit of the table by those that wanted to avoid relegation.
Nduka recounted, “It has been a wonderful season. A lot of competition from different clubs – even Doma United tried at the beginning.
“We saw many others fighting to be top of the log, from one to third on the same points for some weeks. Lobi Stars were there. They were fighting hard.
“Plateau United and Shooting Stars as well, but Rangers came from behind to win it. That made it a great competitive season for all the clubs.”
He went on to eulogise Remo Stars for ending the season as runners-up for the second consecutive season and he still had some soothing words for other clubs that missed out on their aspirations, especially the relegated ones.
“For those clubs that I didn’t mention, it was a great fight for them too; but everybody can’t be on top of the table at the same time.
“They gave their all; they did their best. It’s just quite unfortunate that some had to relegate, while some had to be promoted.
“At the same time, some fought to play on the continent and Rangers, fortunately for them, they won the league.
“All these points made it a great season. We saw top clubs, top players, top coaches, different patterns, and different styles of play.
“Great efforts from each and everyone of them. I must say kudos to these teams. They gave their all and made the season very memorable,” Nduka concluded.
