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By Abiodun Adewale.
The race for the continental spots and the Nigeria Professional Football League title remains dicey after match-day three following draws in potentially deciding games on Wednesday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
In the first game of the day, Sadiq Abubakar drew first blood for Enyimba after 23 minutes with a beautiful left curler, which left Amas Obasogie helpless in Insurance’s goal.
Down but not deterred, the Benin Arsenal only trailed for 14 minutes as mercurial midfielder Divine Nwachukwu headed home Deputy Echeta’s lofted cross inside the box to level matters.
Insurance almost took the lead a minute later, but Ojo Olorunleke parried Adodo Stephen’s effort from the edge of the area to keep the score level at the break.
Momentum swung either way in the second half and it was Insurance who got on the front foot with the most attempts from second half substitute, Osarenkhoe Imade.
The striker forced a save from Olorunleke with a ferocious right-foot shot after cutting in from the left flank. Minutes later, Julius Emiloju and Nwachukwu let fly over the bar from rebounds.
Enyimba, however, saved their firepower for the last four minutes of the game as they also made three attempts at stealing the lead.
Insurance goalkeeper Obasogie made three crucial saves to deny Imo Obot, Somiari Alalibo and Ekene Awazie at the death as the game ended 1-1.
Sunshine thwart Remo’s ambition
Two goals in either half by Samuel Anaekwe and Lucky Gyan settled the score in the southwest derby between Sunshine Stars and Remo Stars as they played out a 1-1 draw in the second game.
Having drawn their first two games, Remo came off the blocks with urgency and scored the opener in the 15th minute courtesy of Anaekwe.
The striker almost made it two moments later, but Sunshine goalie, Mustapha Lawal, denied him from close range after Seun Ogunribide sent in a sweeping cross into the box.
While his teammates struggled to get their rhythm, Mustapha was the busiest of the goalkeepers as he entered full flight again to deny former Sunshine Stars player, Dayo Ojo from scoring with a pile driver.
Sunshine Stars fought back as soon as the game restarted, getting an equaliser in the 46th minute with a header from Gyan.
The rest of the half was played out with intent and caution at either side and the 1-1 draw left Remo with three points from three games, while Sunshine Stars have two points from as many games.
Lobi Stars 0-0 Rivers United
The last game of the day left the Super 6 table as it were after Lobi Stars and reigning champions Rivers United played out a goalless draw.
Enyimba and Rivers United are joint-top with five points each followed by Remo Stars and Bendel Insurance with three points each, while Sunshine Stars and Lobi Stars also have two points each.