Remo Stars kicked off their title defence campaign with a 1-1 draw at their new home, the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, against Rivers United — their first time failing to win their opening home game of a season since their return to the top flight in 2021.
The secret to their title triumph in the Nigerian Premier League last season was making their Ikenne Stadium a fortress, a pleasure they will be starved of this season as they’ve made the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta their temporary home, with construction works ongoing in Ikenne.
The defending champions were absolutely unplayable at home last season, winning 17 and losing none of their 19 games, while conceding just six goals and keeping 15 clean sheets — the best home record of any side in the league.
The fans created one of the best atmospheres in the league. Despite Ikenne taking only 5,000 spectators at full capacity, it still averaged one of the highest numbers of spectators in the Southwest since the club’s return to the top flight in 2021.
And why not?
Remo Stars have arguably been the best team over that period. Even before claiming their first-ever league title last season, they finished runners-up in back-to-back campaigns and are the only club not to have placed outside the top three since their promotion in 2021.
Aside from the abridged format in 2023, where they finished second in the Lagos playoffs, they have amassed a combined 198 points in the other three seasons — more than any other club in that period.
But their most effective weapon has been their home: the support it brings and the fans that drive it. Not only those in Ikenne, but the entirety of Ogun State, as the club represents their pride.
Since their return, Remo Stars have played 66 league home games at their Sky Blues Stadium in Ikenne, winning 56, drawing eight, and losing just two.
Those two defeats, against Akwa United and Kano Pillars, both came in their first season back. Since the 3-1 loss to Kano Pillars in May 2022, the club has not lost a league game at home, which also means Daniel Ogunmodede has remained unbeaten at home since his return in 2022.
They’ve faced challenging adversities but managed to keep their invincible home run intact, which stretched to 51 after their 4-1 win over Ikorodu City in their penultimate game of last season, the day they were crowned league champions.
One of the most famous came against Abia Warriors in Gameweek 21 last season, when the visitors took a shocking 2-0 lead inside 26 minutes. But Remo Stars staged a scintillating comeback to win 3-2.
What Awaits Remo Stars in Abeokuta?
The sporting life in Abeokuta has been reawakened after hosting the National Sports Festival earlier this year. That eagerness was also visible in Remo Stars’ curtain raiser against the Pride of Rivers.
The Moshood Abiola Stadium, which will temporarily serve as the champions’ home, has undergone a complete makeover, even hosting an international game when the Super Falcons beat Cameroon 2-0 in June.
The city had lost its spark for football due to Gateway’s failure to establish prominence in Nigerian football. But now, with Remo Stars, not just the face of the Southwest but also league champions, Abeokuta carries the responsibility of making the experience worthy.
Players will need to adjust to traveling some 59.4 kilometres a day before home matches, depending on logistics, while training sessions will not be as frequent as in Ikenne, which still remains their base for preparations.
These changes are already a disadvantage for the champions. The fans in Abeokuta must be committed and consistent in their support, as this will not just be a game but an event every other week.
Fans from Ikenne will not be moved to Abeokuta, so locals must develop a tradition many are not used to: going to the stadium almost three times a month, paying to watch games, and cheering at the top of their voices.
Will Abeokuta Preserve Remo Stars as NPFL Champions?
It isn’t just about housing a champion — it is about keeping one. Remo Stars have proven to be the best in the league while in Ikenne, and now it is up to the historic city of Abeokuta to help maintain that status during the Sky Blues’ temporary stay at the Moshood Abiola Stadium.
League title is won by home form and for Remo Stars, who even missed out on the title in 2023-24 despite amassing the most home points, they know that only little to nothing can be given away at home, if they’re to retain their title.
Abeokuta has a responsibility to ensure home Invincibility continues, and only then will they stand a chance in a league that is getting more competitive by season, and where no one has won back-to-back championships since Kano Pillars in 2014.
The season may not have started as they expected, but considering Rivers United have always been a thorn in their side, even earning a point in Ikenne last season, the opening draw offers some relief for those who watched on Friday evening.
It’s a marathon, and 37 more games remain. The fans will have a big role to play in ensuring the title is retained, and Abeokuta must ensure the impressive home record does not wane.
Kehinde-Hassan Afolabi
