Nigerian Football

Winners emerge at Sports Journalists Forum

Published

3 years ago

December 30, 2021

Respected Sports platform, Sports Journalists Forum (SJF), has once again conducted its annual awards for sports practitioners based in Nigeria and abroad.

The 2021 edition featured a new category for the various sports media officers.

With SJF Administrators adopting the open ballot model, which allowed for an open and transparent process, SJF members voted in a peaceful atmosphere.

Veteran Journalist Bode Oguntuyi got voted into the SJF Hall of Fame with 10 out of 26 votes cast.

Also, former Super Eagles media officer Colin Udoh got a deserving award as the Most Resourceful Member of the Year.

It was a brace of awards for Kotangora based sports Journalist and media officer of the national U-20 team, Andrew Randa.

Randa won the SJF peacemaker and member of the year(male) categories.

Newly minted Chief of Udu Kingdom in Urhobo Delta state, Olorogun Tracy Chapele, emerged as the Female Member of the year.

Port Harcourt based journalist, Fisayo Dairo won SJF Administrator of the Year award.

Expectedly, Kingsley Koyero ran away with SJF Most Active member award.

Foremost Women Football Reporter, Samuel Ahmadu won the SJF Reporter of the Year.

Elsewhere, Sarafina Napoleon could not retain her SJF After Dark title as group admin Godwin Enakhena won in a landslide vote.

Furthermore, Nasarawa United media officer Eche Amos emerged as the maiden SJF media officer of the year winner in a close contest.

Each winner received a certificate, recharge cards, and a branded Nigerian league club jersey of their choice.

SJF Group Admin, Mr Enakhena led winners and other members to Sinatra Lounge in the Adeniji Jones area of Lagos state where they were treated to a big bash which also served as the end of year party for all SJF members on Tuesday 28th December, 2021.

2021 SJF Awards categories

1) SJF Member of the Year (Male)- Andrew Randa

2) SJF Member of the Year (Female)- Chief Tracy Chapele

3) SJF Admin of the Year – Fisayo Dairo

4) SJF Reporter of the Year – Samuel Ahmadu

5) SJF Afterdark Member of the Year – Godwin Enakhena

6) SJF Hall of Fame award – Akinbode Oguntuyi

7) SJF Most Resourceful member – Colin Udoh

8) SJF Most Active Member- Kingsley Oyero

9) SJF Peacemaker of the Year- Andy Randa

10) SJF Media Officer of the Year- Amos Eche

Nigerian Football

President Tinubu commends Soname’s tenacity of purpose

Published

2 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Kunle Solaja

The historic feat of Remo Stars, who won their maiden Nigerian Premier League title on the birthday occasion of the club owner, has attracted the attention of Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement posted on the State House X handle and signed by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Tinubu congratulated Remo Stars Football Club.

He remarked that winning the 2024-2025 Nigerian Premier Football League title is a milestone achievement that spotlights Ikenne and Ogun State.

President Tinubu describes the historic victory, four years after the team’s promotion to the elite league, as a testament to the hard work, discipline, and unyielding spirit of the players, the coaching crew and the management.

He admires the team’s resilience and perseverance, noting their courage in pursuing success despite three previous near misses in the race for the league title.

He hopes their example will inspire other Nigerian clubs to pursue their dreams continuously with tenacity and optimism.

He also commends the vision and commitment of the club’s owner and chairman, Kunle Soname.

His investment in grassroots football—exemplified by the construction of the state-of-the-art stadium in Ikenne—has provided a vital foundation for the growth of sports in Nigeria.

As Nigeria’s champions, Remo Stars have become Nigeria’s representatives in the CAF Champions League. President Tinubu urges the team to deploy the same undaunted spirit and focus to win continental honours.

He calls on football fans across Nigeria to rally behind the team as they carry the nation’s hopes onto the African stage.

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Nigerian Football

CAF celebrates Remo Stars’ historic Nigeria Premier League title

Published

2 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Kunle Solaja

The Confederation of African Football, CAF has highlighted on its website, the feat of Remo Stars of Ikenne who on Sunday secured their maiden Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title.

Remo Stars edged Niger Tornadoes 1-0 at the Remo Stars Stadium to write a new chapter in their history.

A late goal from Olamilekan Muhammed Adebayo in the 84th minute proved decisive, sparking celebrations as the Sky-Blue Stars finally got their hands on the prestigious trophy.

The crucial victory moved Remo Stars to 68 points after 35 matches, having recorded 21 wins, five draws, and nine losses.

They hold a commanding 10-point lead over second-placed Rivers United, who sit on 58 points from 16 wins, 10 draws, and nine defeats.

Abia Warriors occupy third place with 56 points, while Ikorodu City are fourth on 53 points as the league campaign approaches its final stages.

A Journey Years in the Making

Founded in 2004 by Kunle Soname under the name FC Dender, Remo Stars have steadily climbed the ranks of Nigerian football over the past two decades.

Their ascent saw them earn promotion to the Nigeria National League (NNL) in 2010. However, progress was not always linear.

The club faced relegation from the top flight in 2018 but showed resilience by bouncing back in 2021, securing a place in the NPFL after finishing second in the NNL playoff Group A.

This title triumph marks a historic achievement not just for the club but also for the Southwest region.

Remo Stars are the first club from the region to win the Nigerian top-flight title since Shooting Stars lifted the trophy in 1998.

Looking Ahead

With the NPFL title secured, Remo Stars now turn their attention to preparations for continental football, as they are set to represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF Champions League.

It is a moment of immense pride for the club’s management, players, and supporters, who have waited patiently for their rise to the summit of Nigerian football.

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Nigerian Football

Spirit of sportsmanship as reigning champions, Enugu Rangers, congratulate new champions, Remo Stars

Published

3 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Kunle Solaja

BY OKOLIE NORBERT

Reigning champions, Enugu Rangers, who beat Remo Stars to the second position last season, have congratulated the new champions, Remo Stars of Ikenne.

The management of Rangers sent a warm message of congratulations to Remo Stars Football Club for their remarkable victory in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

In a letter addressed to the chairman of Remo Stars, Kunle Soname, the General Manager/CEO of the ‘Flying Antelopes’, Amobi Ezeaku lauded the tenacity and dedication displayed by the Ikenne-based team throughout the campaign to amass an unassailable points tally with three games to the end of the season.

Ezeaku further urged Remo Stars to represent the NPFL admirably in the upcoming CAF Champions League.

The congratulatory message, titled “Heartfelt congratulations on your historic NPFL triumph,” conveyed the sincere admiration of the Enugu club.

“I write on behalf of Rangers International Football Club, and in my capacity, to extend our warmest congratulations to you and the entire Remo Stars family on your historic victory in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League season,” Ezeaku stated in the letter.

He further acknowledged the significant journey undertaken by Remo Stars under Soname’s leadership, saying, “Your remarkable leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment over the years have transformed Remo Stars into a force in Nigerian football.

“Winning the league title, after fifteen years of building and striving, is a truly extraordinary achievement — a testament to your passion, resilience, and belief in the Remo Stars project.”

Drawing from Rangers’ own recent experience as league champions, Ezeaku highlighted the immense effort required to reach the pinnacle of Nigerian football.

“As the immediate past champions, we deeply appreciate the magnitude of what it takes to reach the summit. Your success is not only an inspiration to Remo Stars but to all who believe in hard work, strategic investment, and patience in football development,” he noted.

Concluding the message, the Rangers boss expressed optimism for Remo Stars’ future endeavours.

“We celebrate this well-deserved milestone with you and look forward to watching Remo Stars shine brightly on the continental stage. Nigerian football is richer and stronger because of visionary leaders like you. Once again, congratulations, Mr. President. May this be the first of many more successes.”

This gesture from Rangers underscores the spirit of sportsmanship and mutual respect within the NPFL fraternity as Remo Stars celebrate their well-earned league title.

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