In a nail-biting finale at the ValueJet Cup 2024, Remo Stars today emerged victorious, defeating Ikorodu City with a score of 2-1 at the Remo Start stadium Ikenne.
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The match, filled with dramatic moments and remarkable performances, kept the fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
The game kicked off with both teams displaying aggressive tactics. Early on, Remo Stars’ Ibrahim Abubakar missed a golden opportunity to take the lead when his penalty attempt was saved by the Ikorodu City goalkeeper, who also stopped the rebound. The crowd groaned in unison, but the match was far from decided.
In the 25th minute, Seth Mayi broke the deadlock, nodding home a perfectly placed cross from Abubakar. “That was a crucial moment for us,” Mayi said after the match. “I knew we had to capitalize on our chances, and Ibrahim’s cross was just perfect.”
Ikorodu City struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, unable to break through Remo Stars’ solid defense. Despite some promising attacks, the half ended with Remo Stars leading 1-0.
The second half saw Ikorodu City intensifying their efforts, but Remo Stars struck again in the 68th minute. Dela Akorli’s shot was parried by the goalkeeper, only for Mayi to slap the ball into the empty net. The stadium erupted as Remo Stars doubled their lead, making it 2-0.
With the clock ticking down, Ikorodu City refused to give up. Their persistence paid off in the 87th minute when they scored from a well-taken free-kick, reducing the deficit to 2-1. The tension was palpable as the final minutes approached.
Haruna Hadi had a chance to seal the victory for Remo Stars in the 90th minute, but Ikorodu City’s goalkeeper made a heroic save, keeping his team in the game. The final whistle blew, and Remo Stars celebrated their hard-fought victory.
“It was a tough game, but our players showed great determination,” said Remo Stars’ coach Daniel Ogunmodede. “Ikorodu City were formidable opponents, and this victory means a lot to us.”
Ikorodu City’s coach Bright Ozegbagbe praised his team’s effort despite the loss. “We fought hard, and I’m proud of my players. We’ll come back stronger next year.”
The Value Jet Cup 2024 will be remembered for its thrilling finale, showcasing the resilience and skill of both teams. Remo Stars’ victory cements their status as one of the top teams in the league, and fans are already looking forward to next season’s competition.
