Victor Osimhen’s generous gesture of gifting Remo Stars N10 million, split equally between the players and the technical crew, epitomizes the widespread jubilation that has greeted the club’s historic Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title win. Osimhen, a prominent figure in Nigerian football, personally conveyed his congratulations via video call, further highlighting the magnitude of the achievement. This triumph marks a watershed moment for Remo Stars, becoming the first privately-owned club to clinch the NPFL title since Ocean Boys in 2006, setting a precedent and inspiring other privately-funded clubs in the league.
The outpouring of accolades has extended far beyond the football pitch, reaching the highest echelons of power. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu lauded the club’s dedication, discipline, and unwavering spirit, commending the players, coaching staff, and management for their remarkable feat. He specifically acknowledged the visionary leadership of club chairman Kunle Soname, whose investment in grassroots football has played a pivotal role in this success. The President’s message not only celebrated the present victory but also looked towards the future, urging Remo Stars to carry the nation’s hopes into the CAF Champions League with the same tenacity and focus.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, where Remo Stars is based, hailed the victory as an unprecedented achievement in the state’s history. He emphasized the club’s long-standing perseverance and consistency, finally culminating in national recognition and widespread admiration. The governor’s statement underscored the significance of this triumph for the state and its sporting landscape, acknowledging the club’s role in elevating the profile of Ogun State within Nigerian football.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) joined the chorus of congratulations, describing the victory as a moment of immense pride not only for Remo Stars but also for the entire southwest region of Nigeria, which had been without a league champion since Julius Berger’s success in 2000. CAF’s recognition further solidifies the impact of Remo Stars’ achievement on the national and regional football scene and anticipates their forthcoming participation in the prestigious CAF Champions League, a testament to their newly acquired status as NPFL champions.
The tributes extended beyond official circles, with rival clubs demonstrating sportsmanship and acknowledging the magnitude of Remo Stars’ accomplishment. Rangers International, a prominent club in the NPFL, commended Remo Stars’ president, Kunle Soname, for his long-term vision and strategic investment, highlighting the club’s fifteen-year journey to the title. They recognized the inspirational nature of this victory, not only for Remo Stars but also for other clubs striving for success in Nigerian football. Ikorodu City FC chairman, Sanmi Doherty, another representative of privately-funded clubs, congratulated Soname, emphasizing the importance of private investment in the league’s development and the rewarding feeling of seeing such efforts bear fruit.
Heartland FC, another respected club in the NPFL, through its technical manager Emmanuel Amuneke, praised Remo Stars for their consistency and unprecedented achievement. Amuneke highlighted the long-term impact of this victory, asserting that it would be spoken about for years to come. He further challenged other privately-owned clubs to emulate Remo Stars’ success, emphasizing the importance of proper planning and deliberate action in achieving ambitious goals. As Remo Stars continues to celebrate their historic win, they still have three remaining matches in the season: an away game against El-Kanemi Warriors, a home fixture against Ikorodu City where they will be officially crowned champions, and a final away game against Bayelsa United. These matches, while holding less competitive significance, will serve as a victory lap for the new champions, allowing them to savor their accomplishment and connect with their fans before embarking on their CAF Champions League journey.
