Remo Stars Football Club etched their name into Nigerian football history, clinching the coveted 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title in a resounding fashion. Their emphatic 4-1 victory over Ikorodu City at their home ground in Ikenne served as the crowning moment of a remarkable season, solidifying their status as the undisputed champions of Nigerian football. The triumph was witnessed by a jubilant crowd, including Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau, NPFL Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye, and other prominent dignitaries.
The match, played on match-day 37, began with a surprising twist. Despite the festive atmosphere and the guard of honour presented by Ikorodu City, acknowledging Remo Stars’ pre-determined championship status, the visitors drew first blood. In the 15th minute, Ikorodu City captain Tosin Oyedokun unleashed a powerful shot that slipped through the grasp of Remo Stars goalkeeper Serge Obassa, silencing the home crowd and giving the visitors an unexpected lead. This early setback, however, served as a catalyst for Remo Stars, igniting their resolve to dominate the match.
Remo Stars responded with a relentless attacking display, creating numerous scoring opportunities. Olamilekan Adedayo and Sodiq Ismail came close to equalizing, but their efforts were thwarted. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 37th minute when Sikiru Alimi calmly slotted the ball home, marking his fifth goal of the season and restoring parity to the scoreline. This goal reignited the home crowd, who sensed the inevitable shift in momentum.
The momentum swung decisively in Remo Stars’ favour just four minutes later, as Ibrahim Shuaib capitalized on a brilliant assist from Babatunde Bello to put the hosts in the lead. The stadium erupted in celebration as Remo Stars took control of the match. Bello, instrumental in the second goal, then turned goalscorer himself shortly after the restart, extending Remo Stars’ lead to 3-1 and sending the fans into a frenzy. The atmosphere was electrifying, with the home crowd reveling in their team’s dominance.
With a comfortable two-goal cushion, Remo Stars continued to press forward, showcasing their attacking prowess. Ikorodu City, despite their efforts to reduce the deficit, found themselves overwhelmed by the relentless waves of Remo Stars’ attacks. In the 67th minute, Adedayo added his name to the scoresheet, netting Remo Stars’ fourth goal and sealing the victory. The final stages of the match witnessed Ikorodu City’s attempts to salvage some pride, but Remo Stars comfortably controlled the game, cruising to their 22nd win of the season.
The victory propelled Remo Stars to an unassailable 71 points, cementing their position at the top of the NPFL table. With one final game remaining against Bayelsa United, Remo Stars could further extend their impressive points tally. For Ikorodu City, the defeat dealt a blow to their hopes of securing a CAF Confederation Cup ticket. Their 56 points left them four points adrift of third-placed Abia Warriors, making their chances of continental qualification slim with just one game left to play.
The resounding victory served as a fitting culmination of a season of remarkable achievements for Remo Stars. Their consistent performance throughout the campaign, coupled with their attacking flair and defensive solidity, established them as the deserved champions. The coronation ceremony, witnessed by thousands of jubilant supporters, marked a historic day for the club and the entire Remo community. The celebrations extended throughout the town, with fans expressing their pride and joy at the team’s accomplishment. The 2024/25 NPFL title will forever be etched in the annals of Remo Stars’ history, signifying a pinnacle of achievement and laying the foundation for future success.
