Nigerian Football
High riding Plateau go atop as Remo Stars taste second league defeat
The 2017 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions, Plateau United moved to the top of the table after an impressive 3-1 win over hard fighting Shooting Stars in a MatchDay 13 encounter decided in Jos on Wednesday.
With leaders Rivers United not playing until Thursday, Fidelis Ilechukwu’s wards took full advantage by recording their fifth consecutive win.
Mohammed Zulkifilu gave Plateau the lead in the 8th minute but Seyi Okeowo’s 42nd minute goal for 3SC ensured that both sides were level at the break.
Plateau United however claimed maximum points through goals from Albert Hilary and Nenrot Silas (P) in the second half.
Three days after suffering their first loss of the season, it became two losses in a row for Remo Stars after they were beaten 0-1 by Akwa United in Ikenne.
David Onovo netted the only goal of the game in the 28th minute after the Remo defence failed to clear a corner kick. Remo stay in third while Akwa United move to fifth.
Kwara United moved to 4th on the log after a 1-0 win over Enyimba in Ilorin.
Alao Danbani headed home in the 17th minute after former Enyimba striker Samad Kadiri had seen his effort tipped onto the post by goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo. Finidi George’s Enyimba who were 5th before Wednesday’s action now drop to 7th on the log.
Kano Pillars had their bad run compounded after Wikki Tourists came from behind to inflict a 2-1 defeat on Salisu Yusuf’s men at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi.
Pillars drew the first blood through Gabriel Jeremiah in the 15th minute but Wikki nicked it in the end courtesy of Promise Damala’s goals in the 82nd and 84th minute. Pillars drop to 15th on the log, just one point above the relegation zone.
Niger Tornadoes left it late to beat Sunshine Stars 1-0 at the Abuja National Stadium. Munir Idris scored in the 93rd minute to leapfrog Sunshine Stars on the log and give themselves more hope in the early race against relegation.
There was also a late goal in Lagos as MFM FC ended a streak of seven winless games after they recorded a 1-0 win over Katsina United at the Teslim Balogun Stadium. Midfielder Tunde Azeez scored the all important goal nine minutes from time to lift MFM off the foot of the table at least till other games are decided on Thursday.
Pick of Thursday’s games will see Imama Amapakabo and Stanley Eguma go face-to-face as Rivers United face Abia Warriors in Okigwe while Rangers will entertain Nasarawa United in a happy hunting ground for the Solid Miners, Nnewi. Heartland are home to Lobi Stars
Wednesday’s Results
Niger Tornadoes 1-0 Sunshine Stars
Kwara United 1-0 Enyimba
MFM 1-0 Katsina United
Remo Stars 0-1 Akwa United
Plateau Utd 3-1 Shooting Stars
Wikki Tourists 2-1 Kano Pillars
Thursday’s Fixtures
Dakkada FC vs Gombe United
Rangers International vs Nasarawa United
Abia Warriors vs Rivers United
Heartland vs Lobi Stars
-npfl
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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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
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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President Tinubu commends Soname’s tenacity of purpose
CAF celebrates Remo Stars’ historic Nigeria Premier League title
Spirit of sportsmanship as reigning champions, Enugu Rangers, congratulate new champions, Remo Stars
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