Remo Stars of Ikenne’s assistant coach, Suleiman Folarin has come out with a bold declaration that the club’s priority for this season is to win the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) title.
Sports247.ng reports that Coach Folarin was excited with his side’s 2-1 victory over Akwa United of Uyo on Sunday, which ensured that they stayed top of the NPFL’s log at the of the first round.
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Nearest rivals, Rivers United of Port Harcourt’s 1-1 draw at home with Plateau United of Jos on Monday meant Remo Stars were two points ahead of The Garden City outfit heading into 2025.
Coach Folarin admitted that his players were nervous at the start of Sunday’s match in Ikenne, as they desperately wanted to stay top of the table at the end of 2024, hence his verdict that it was a great result for his team.
Folarin beamed, “I’m very delighted with this result. We were so anxious to be on top of the table, and that initially gave us some problems.
“We agreed together before the game that we have to be on top of the table at the end of the first round, and that’s what we have done. That’s why I am very happy with this result.”
He then praised Tochukwu Michael for his ‘timely’ 82nd minute free-kick that gave Honourable Kunle Soname’s side maximum points, as The Promise Keepers initially equalised after Ibrahim Shaibu put the hosts ahead in just the third minute of play.
“That was a brilliant goal and one that was needed at that particular point in the match. That was the exact moment when we wanted that goal to come.
“He practiced free kicks in training and even scored one. So, he told me he would do it again in this match, and he did it.
“That shows he’s a great player, and I’m very happy for the boy; especially for giving us the winning goal in this game,” Folarin acceded.
He concluded with a plea for unrelenting support and prayers from all fans of the back-to-back NPFL runners-up of the past two seasons, so that they would eventually win the title this time out.
Folarin disclosed, “My message to our fans is that they should just keep praying for us, stand by us and hang with us.
“Insha Allah, by the grace of God, our target is to win the league, and we are trying hard to get it. They should just keep praying for us and give us total support.”
The stand-in gaffer went on to admit that winning the league title will not come easy, but he concluded with a tone of optimism that their aspirations will be achieved with all hands on deck.
