Remo Stars aim to finish the first half of the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season without another loss. Head coach Sulaiman Folarin revealed this ambition. It comes ahead of their challenging away trip to Bayelsa United.

The ‘Sky Blue Stars’ have had a mixed start to their campaign. From 16 league matches, they recorded seven wins, one draw, and eight defeats. Despite this inconsistent run, Folarin’s players target a strong first-round finish.

“Our plan is not to lose any match in the first round again,” Folarin stated to Remo Stars media. “We will go to Bayelsa United and fight for the needed result.”

This crucial Matchday 17 encounter is set for Sunday. It will be held at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa. Both teams will be vying for vital points as the season progresses.

In other NPFL news, Rivers United’s technical adviser, Finidi George, lauded his squad. This followed their hard-fought 2-1 away victory over Plateau United in Jos. The win propelled the ‘Pride of Rivers’ into second place on the NPFL standings.

Rivers United now boast 30 points from 15 matches. They remain strong contenders in the title race. Finidi praised his team’s resilience and tactical discipline. He especially noted their improved performance after a difficult first half.

“It’s an important win,” Finidi told Rivers United media post-match. He added, “We struggled somewhat in the first half.”

He continued, “In the second half, we pushed harder and pressed higher. We forced them to play long balls. Winning those second balls gave us an advantage. This allowed us to operate across the field.”

Rivers United aim to maintain this momentum. They will host Wikki Tourists in their upcoming league fixture on Sunday.

NPFL Matchday 17 Full Fixtures

Here are the complete fixtures for NPFL Matchday 17:

Saturday, 13 December

Bendel vs Enugu Rangers, 4 p.m.

Sunday, 14 December

Plateau United vs Nasarawa United, 4 p.m.
Niger Tornadoes vs El Kanemi Warriors, 4 p.m.
Enyimba vs Kwara United, 4 p.m.
Kun Khalifat FC vs Abia Warriors, 4 p.m.
Rivers United vs Wikki Tourists, 4 p.m.
Bayelsa United vs Remo Stars, 4 p.m.
Barau vs Shooting Stars, 4 p.m.
Warri Wolves vs Kano Pillars, 4 p.m.

Monday, 15 December

Ikorodu City vs Katsina United, 4 p.m.