Nigerian Football
Gara Gombe throws light into NFF Appeal Committee’s relief for Remo Stars
One-time Gombe FA chairman, Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe and a major voice on Nigerian football has thrown light into the NFF Appeals Committee decision on the Remo Stars versus Gombe United match.
The match, which was one of the MatchDay 12 fixture in the Group A of the NPFL abridged league for the current season had to be concluded the following day, and with another referee when the designated referee refused to commence the second half of the game.
He claimed assault and injuries to his person by the General Manager of the home side, Ekene Adams. For the records, Sports Village Square reports that it is not unusual for an appeal committee to upturn a decision earlier made by a governing body. Otherwise, the appeal committee will just be a rubber stamp.
A recent global example is gleaned from the Italian Serie A where an earlier 15-point deduction imposed on Juventus was reversed by the supreme sports court of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) which last week accepted Juventus’ appeal.
Gara-Gombe titles his submission: “Between IMC and NFF- TOEFL as the newest prosecution witness on Remo Stars’ case”.
His submissions:
“The NFA Disciplinary committee recently inaugurated by Ibrahim Gusau had its baptism with the case brought before it on the decision of the IMC on allegations of wrong doing by Remo Stars FC and its officials for prejudicial conduct during their match against Gombe United FC.
“I know those reading this may wonder what the headline of this opinion means to the matter under reference.
“TOEFL means: Test of English as Foreign Language. It is an assessment test usually carried for prospective students seeking admission to foreign schools, especially universities.
“The fundamental issue in determining the Remo Stars’ case is the test of English. There were two key words – tapping and assault.
“Let us determine this first before we go into the matter proper as I understood it based on my findings. What is an assault and what is tapping?
“An assault is simply said to be the intentional use of force to cause harm on another person, while tapping is said simply to be a friendly way of drawing the attention of a person by another.
“A Remo Stars FC official precisely Hon.Ekene Adams, a member of House of Representatives- Elect from Kaduna State who is the General Manager of Remo Stars FC was reported to have gone into the dressing Room (a restricted Area)to assault the centre referee for issuing a red card to a Remo Stars player.
“On the other hand Hon Ekene Adams was said to have only tapped the referee in a friendly manner to complain about the red card.
“This made the centre referee not continue with the match citing an allegation of assault by Hon.Ekene Adams.
“It is clear that he who alleges has a burden of proof. Now let us take a look at the following issues:
“1. What was the evidence of assault that is so prejudicial to warrant the discontinuation of the match by the referee.?
“2. Where there are no witnesses in the referees dressing rooms to ascertain the commission of an assault or the incident that happened?
“3. Where was the Match Commissioner and the referee assessor?
“4. Was there no Ogun FA official or secretary on ground?
“5. Is an official of the home team said to commit trespass on match day if he finds his way to the Referees Dressing Room?
“6. Is the Referees Dressing Room a Restricred Area to an official of a Home Team.?
“7. What was in the match commissioners’ report and that of the referees report? Were they in agreement with each other?
“8. Did the alleged assault render the referee useless and could not continue with the match? If yes, why did the Assistant Referee 1 not continue with the match?
“9. Did the Match Commissioner agree with the centre referee to discontinue with the match? Why did he not, or did he order the Match Commissioner to continue with the match?
“10. On the security that was said to be inadequate, what was recorded during the pre-match meeting at the very meeting that security of a match is predetermined. Who is responsible for providing security – Remo Stars or Ogun F.A?
Take a look at this
“1. From what I know, no referee decides to discontinue a match in Nigeria without an external instruction. Last season it happened during Niger Tornadoes and Lobi Stars game in Minna.
“2. Whenever there is inadequate security the FA is to be sanctioned not clubs.
“3. There is no home team in our league that its officials don’t visit Referees Dressing Room at half time. Sometimes these officials even take drinks to them personally. They even visit their hotels before and after matches.
“4. Gombe United either due to inexperience or they are aware of a certain plan they should have just enter their bus and return to Gombe. Because they presented themselves for a match and after 45 minutes the officials refused to continue.They have no business staying a day after to replay or complete any game. It is no longer their business.
“5. Match commissioners, referees and assessors should be filing their reports within the stipulated time to avoid manipulation.
“Therefore, the Disciplinary Committee did a good job.
“1.However, after over ruling almost all the decisions of IMC, why sustained the suspension of Hon.Ekene Adams?
“2. I did not see where Ogun FA was not fined for inadequate security.
“3. The Match Commissioner should be reprimanded for allowing a match to start without adequate security.
“4. I know Remo Stars Chairman is a member of IMC but he does not attend meetings I hope it is not what I am thinking.
“5. The IMC Should not be carried away by their successes so far and the ‘media honeymoon’ they are enjoying they should not be hastily and be too hard in their decisions. Some of these reforms should be transitional. They should be using carrot and stick approach to affect meaningful reforms. Take it easy, but be firm. I come in peace..my opinion.”
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has extolled the commitment and determination of Remo Stars Foot ball Club on its victory over Niger Tornadoes, describing it as unprecedented feat in the annals of Ogun State.
It would be recalled that the local football team won the first-ever Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title with a 1-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes on Sunday, April 27.
In so doing, they become the first team in the state to win the Nigerian elite division league since the state was created on 3 February 1976.
Before the current feat, no team from the state had won the national league. The famous Abiola Babes, the rave of the 1980s, won the Challenge Cup in 1985 and 1987.
Governor Abiodun, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, said the team has sustained the inherent first capacity Ogun State is known for, adding that their resilience and perseverance have paid off.
Governor Abiodun added that Remo Stars has consistently pushed for the best with enviable patriotic tendencies since its formation.
He said the level of the team’s dexterity and capacity earned it the 2024-2025 Nigerian Premier Football League title as well as it’s promotion to the elite league four years ago.
The Governor, therefore, implored other local clubs in Nigeria to emulate the degree of resilience and doggedness the team displayed to help in promoting Nigeria’s local league to enviable heights.
“It is my utmost delight that the age-long perseverance and consistency of the Remo Stars Football team have eventually paid off at the national level and to the admiration of every Nigerian, including our amiable President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“As the first privately-owned NPFL champions since 1996, which ceremoniously secured a place in the CAF Champions League, we commend the undiluted and unwavering determination of the players, the coaching formation, and the entire management.
“This is indeed a clear reflection of the profound trait of Ogun State as the first in all areas of success and our all-inclusive policy of transformation as enshrined in our ISEYA mantra,” the statement read.
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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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