On the last day of the group stage round-robin matches in group C held on Friday at Remo Stadium, Ikenne decided the fate of the teams to either continue their participation in the ongoing NPFL/ LA LIGA U-15 Promises or return to their respective states.
This resonated in the build-up of the match between Remo Stars versus Gombe United as the former who had won two matches with six points were amazed as their opponent fired from all cylinders to get the maximum three points which ended 4-1, at their home ground.
Earlier before the kickoff of the match, Abia Warriors in the same group B, who had lost two matches sheathed their swords by not playing their last match. It was reportedly said that they left the early morning before the match.
This gifted Kwara United three points and three goals as a walkover for the absence of their opponent.
By all calculations, a draw, win, or loss with less than two goals between Remo Stars and Gombe United who were on three points would favor the Ilorin-based boys but Gombe United drew the first blood five minutes into the match when left-footed Abdullahi Bello slotted in the ball past Remo stars goalkeeper Akeem Bashiru.
The first half ended 1-0 in favor of Gombe United.
With the resumption of the match, a modicum of hope was still brewing for the boys from Ilorin but in the 33 minutes, Miko Dalha registered his third goal of the season as he scored to double the lead.
After several attempts of effort, the 55 minutes paved way for Gombe Yayaya Walid to drive home from close range to compound woe for Remo stars.
In the fifty-seven minutes, Remo Stars, reduced the deficit after Umar Nasiru slotted the ball into the back of the net. This goal had almost dashed the hope for Gombe United to continue the competition.
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But, rather than throwing in the towel, captain Bello Musa in the sixty minutes scored the fourth to revive his team’s hope in this edition. The match ended 4-1 in favor of Gombe United who qualify with six points with four goals difference same as Remo Stars.
While Kwara United as well had 6points with 3 points but finished third on the log.
In an interview with the captain Bello Musa who scored the last goal, he said he felt excited about the victory against their opponents
“I am happy because we qualified.” He said.
The captain, a JSS 2 student of Jekadafari Junior Secondary School in Gombe state, revealed his aim to become the Most Valuable Player, M.V.P of the tournament.
“If we will the trophy, I will become the Most Valuable Player in this tournament.” He said.