NPFL Play Off: Insurance must climb two un replied goals mountain to land in Africa

Photo: Action from the Insurance, Rivers United tie which Insurance lost by 1-2.

By George Aluo

Insurance are no doubt down after their unbeaten run bragging right was shattered Friday in Lagos by Rivers United.

Monday Odigie and his boys were humbled when they lost 1-2 to now occupy the fourth position on NPFL Super 6 log.

Should Insurance finish in that position on Sunday it means there would be no continental campaign next season for the club in spite of their impressive run this term, unless of course if they beat Rangers in the Federation Cup final next week in Asaba.

But to get the job done in Lagos, Insurance must beat Remo Stars by at least 2-0 in their last match of the NPFL.

It would be noted that the club that finishes third in the NPFL play off would alongside FA Cup winners play in the CAF Confederation Cup while the winners and runners up here in Lagos would feature in the CAF Champions League.

A 2-0 victory for Insurance will see them finish with six points and a +1 goal aggregate while Remo will finish on same points and +O goal aggregate.
All Remo need to stop Insurance and finish  third on the NPFL play off log is play for a draw or at worse ensure they don’t concede more than one goal in the event of a loss.
A victory for Remo would mean Insurance will leave Lagos in complete shambles ahead of their FA Cup final game in Asaba.

It is definitely an uphill task for the Arsenal of Nigerian football, especially given the bitter rivalry between them and Remo which dates back to the NNL play off in Enugu two seasons ago.

This scenario makes both the Insurance, Remo clash as important as the big one between Enyimba and Rivers United.

Defending champions, Rivers United need a win against Enyimba to retain their title while the People’s Elephants, Nigeria’s most successful football club need only a draw.

Onikan will definitely be on fire on Sunday…