Remo Stars Football Club were on Sunday, coroneted as champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) in front of a jubilant home crowd at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.
It was a day of history, glory, and celebration as the Sky Blue Stars finally laid hands on the title after years of trying.
The 2024/25 NPFL title was officially handed over to them after their final home game of the season, where they defeated Ikorodu City 4-1 in an entertaining match that had everything.
The game began on a nervy note for the hosts, with Ikorodu City taking the lead in the 15th minute through Tosin Oyedokun.
That early setback, however, only seemed to wake the champions.
Remo Stars responded in style. Two quick goals before the break from Sikiru Alimi and Ibrahim Shuaibu gave the home side a 2-1 lead at half-time.
The second half was all about Remo Stars' dominance. Bello Babatunde and Olamilekan Adedayo added two more goals to cap off a commanding performance and seal an emphatic 4-1 win on a day.
The victory took Remo Stars to 71 points, extending their unassailable lead at the top of the table. With just one game left to play, they are 10 points clear of second-placed Rivers United.
After narrowly missing out in the last three seasons, this is Remo Stars' first-ever league title since the club was founded.
Here are three key reasons why Remo Stars are deserved champions of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League season.
🏆 C H A M P I O N S 🏆
🎉 @RemoStarsSC are crowned winners of #NPFL25. They become the 21st club to win the top division.#NPFL25FinalStretch
📸 @Justinaaniefiok pic.twitter.com/jwJhqKb8jY
— NPFL (@NigeriaPFL) May 11, 2025
Continuity with coach and core players
One of the biggest problems in Nigerian club football is the constant turnover of players and managers. Remo Stars have gone against this trend by maintaining a strong core and sticking with head coach Daniel Ogunmodede.
Ogunmodede, who has served the club in various roles over the years, has built a team with a clear identity.
Club captain Junior Nduka, reliable goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, and full-back Ismail Sodiq are among the players who have been with the team over the years and formed the backbone of this title-winning squad.
This kind of continuity is rare in Nigerian football and has given Remo Stars a significant edge over their rivals.
Astute signings by Remo Stars
Despite losing a few key players at the end of last season, the club was proactive in the transfer market. They brought in quality additions who improved the squad.
Benin Republic international goalkeeper Serge Obassa added depth in goal. Ibrahim Shuaibu brought experience and goals to the attack.
Alex Oyowah, who joined from Rivers United, added creativity and calmness to the midfield.
Crucially, the club made key mid-season signings as well. Bello Babatunde, for instance, played a vital role in the second half of the campaign with timely goals and assists.
The additions were not just about numbers but real quality. Each new player had a clear role and impact, and that helped Remo Stars push over the line.
Champions putting babies back in their cot ✨ #RemoReigns | #WeAreRemoStars | #RemoStarsNPFLChampions pic.twitter.com/QEOXK7ELkc
— Remo Stars Sports Club (@RemoStarsSC) May 11, 2025
Unmatched squad depth
Depth has been another major factor in their success. While many teams in the NPFL struggle with injuries and suspensions due to a lack of capable replacements, Remo Stars were different.
Every position had at least two players pushing each other. In attack, Sikiru Alimi had to compete with Togo international Frank Mawuena, while Olamilekan Adedayo also stepped up when called upon.
When Ismail Sodiq left for Europe, Ibrahim Babawo slotted in seamlessly. In defence, the trio of Fabian Oworie, Ahmed Akinyele, and captain Junior Nduka rotated effectively throughout the campaign.
This healthy competition within the squad meant performance levels stayed high. Ogunmodede could afford to rest players without a drop in quality, and this kept the team fresh for the entire season.
Impeccable home form
Remo Stars were the only team in the league to go unbeaten at home this season.
The Remo Stars Stadium became a fortress that few teams dared to visit. They won 17 of their 19 home games, drawing just two.
The numbers speak volumes with 33 goals scored at home and only six conceded. That translates to 53 points won at home, the highest in the league.
Their home form was the foundation of their title run and gave them the momentum needed to secure the crown.
With their maiden NPFL title now secured, Remo Stars will be Nigeria's flag bearers in next season's CAF Champions League.
Expectations will be high, and the club will need to build on this success to compete on the continent.
But for now, they can bask in their well-earned glory.
The wait is over.
Remo Stars are champions of Nigeria.
