There was Boxing Day delight at Remo Stars Stadium as the Sky Blue Stars enjoyed a comfortable 3-0 win over Heartland FC thanks to a brace from Andy Okpe and a half volley from Samuel Anakwe in match day two of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
It is the first time the stadium in Ikenne-Remo is hosting a NPFL match and it ended well for the supporters of the Sky Blue Stars.
The Sky Blue Stars started the game the better, and it was Andy Okpe who put the host ahead in the third minute before completing his brace just two minutes after scoring his first goal.
The host continued to mount pressure on the visitors and this time it was Abdullahi Oyedele who squared the ball inside the opponent’s box after receiving a good pass from Andy Okpe but the visitors clear at sight.
Godwin Paul came to the rescue for Heartland after Abdullahi Oyedele sent in a pass to Qudus Akanni who headed down for the Goalkeeper to punch.
In the opening minutes of the second 45 minutes, Andy Okpe got a blank cheque to get his first hat-trick for the club after Tolulope Ojo found space to locate him but his attempt flipped wide.
The visitors continued to search for a goal as Ikenna Stephen delivered a freekick in a promising area for his side but his attempt went wide.
In the 72nd minute, Samuel Anakwe increased the tally for Remo Stars with a beautiful half volley to give the host extended confidence going into the final eighteen minutes of the game.
Towards the closing minutes of the game, Andy Okpe had a great opportunity to get his third goal of the night but the referee ruled him offside to have picked up a Dayo Ojo’s pass.
With the victory against Heartland FC, the Sky Blue Stars have now won two games in a row in the NPFL, and they are now on top of the league with two wins from two games, scored five goals with two clean sheets.
Next for the Sky Blue Stars is another home and matchday three game against Nasarawa United who have two points from two games after playing a 1-1 draw with Gombe United in the NPFL.
