It’s been a long time coming, and Remo Stars have emerged as the chosen ones, delivering the first South-western champion of the Nigerian Premier League in 25 years.
It was ten years before their foundation when a privately-owned club last won the Nigerian topflight title, Julius Berger in 2000, but the shinny stars of Remo ended the long wait for individuals investing their assets for the joy of the people, and the game, to have a taste of glory.
The Sky Blues of Ikenne defeated Niger Tornadoes at home on Matchday 35 to seal the title, establishing a 10-point lead over second-placed Rivers United, who were seeking to add to their 2022 triumph.
It was a long road to get here, but the Ogun State-based team, owned by Honorable Kunle Soname, never gave up, establishing themselves as one of the powerhouses of Nigerian topflight football following their return in 2021.
Remo Stars had not stayed consecutive seasons in the topflight since their first promotion in 2017, until their most recent one in the 2021–22 campaign, where they made a huge statement by finishing third.
The following seasons saw the Ikenne Sky Blues finish in second place back-to-back, and with lessons learned the hard way, Daniel Ogunmodede and his charges never took their eyes off the prize from the kickoff of the current campaign.
The big win away to Shooting Stars in Round 33, which saw them complete a first-ever double over the Oluyole Warriors, meant that a defeat for second-placed Rivers United away to Kano Pillars on Friday would leave them just one win away from sealing the title.
Goals from legendary duo Ahmed Musa and Rabiu saw Kano Pillars hand Rivers United their ninth league defeat of the season in a 2-0 scoreline, leaving Remo Stars just one win away from making history.
Remo Stars vs. Niger Tornadoes: How it Happened in Ikenne
A much altered Remo Stars lineup struggled to find their rhythm in the Sunday evening kickoff, with expectations at their highest and pressure mounting in a packed stadium. Missed chances early on allowed the visitors to settle into the game.
It looked as though Tornadoes would delay the inevitable, but Olamilekan Adedayo came off the bench to produce a world class moment, breaking the deadlock inside the final ten minutes of the contest and sending the stadium into eruption.
It was a goal that oozed class. The midfield sensation controlled the ball with his chest after a poor clearance, brought it down, and unleashed a thunderous strike that crashed off the crossbar, in and out of the net, sparking wild celebrations and controversy, as the visitors protested that the ball hadn’t crossed the line.
In the end, it was a legitimate goal and it stood, securing a first-ever topflight title for the Ikenne-based club, 15 years after their foundation, and on a special occasion—the birthday of their founder, Honorable Kunle Soname.
With three games remaining before the season draws to a close, the champion-elect will be on the road for their next fixture before returning home for their coronation in the penultimate gameweek against fellow South-Western side and continental hopefuls, Ikorodu City.
Kehinde-Hassan Afolabi
