Remo Stars Football Club ignited Nigerian football with a historic 1-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, securing their first-ever Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title. The decisive 84th-minute goal by substitute Olamilekan Adedayo not only clinched the championship with three matches to spare but also ended a 25-year jinx for a Southwest club, last achieved by Julius Berger in 2000. The triumph, coinciding with the 59th birthday of the club’s visionary chairman, Kunle Soname, blended historic success with joyous celebration.
Under Soname’s transformative leadership, Remo Stars have evolved from a regional side, founded in 2010, into a national powerhouse since their NPFL promotion in 2016. Their relentless pursuit of excellence, innovative tactics, and commitment to blending seasoned veterans with dynamic young talents fueled a stellar campaign. Amassing 68 points from 35 matches—21 wins, five draws, and nine losses—Remo Stars secured an unassailable 10-point lead over second-placed Rivers United, anchored by an unbeaten home record at Ikenne. This victory marked them as the first privately-owned club to win the NPFL since Udoji United in 1996.
“This championship is a dream come true for our club and our community,” Soname declared during jubilant post-match celebrations. “It is the culmination of years of hard work, strategic planning, and an unwavering belief in the potential of our players and our organization.” The triumph, under the guidance of coach Daniel Ogunmodede, an assistant coach for the Super Eagles, reflected the club’s resilience after finishing as runners-up in the prior two seasons.
Soname’s birthday festivities, attended by dignitaries from politics, business, and sports, amplified the historic moment. CEO Adedoyin Ogungbefun, speaking to newsmen, lauded Soname’s vision: “Kunle Soname’s unwavering commitment to excellence and his relentless pursuit of success have been the driving forces behind Remo Stars’ rise to the top.” General Welfare Officer Afolabi Kazeem, addressing journalists, credited the victory to Soname’s investment as a sports enthusiast and philanthropist, stating, “We are thrilled with this outcome, which reflects the chairman’s passion and dedication to elevating Nigerian football.”
As celebrations swept through Sagamu and Ikenne, Remo Stars’ triumph sparked pride and unity, inspiring a new generation of athletes. Posts on X captured the national fervor, hailing the club as the first Southwest team in 25 years and the first private club in 20 years to claim the NPFL title. The victory earned Remo Stars a spot in the 2025–26 CAF Champions League, setting the stage for continental ambitions.
With the official crowning slated for their next home match against Ikorodu City on May 7, 2025, Remo Stars and Kunle Soname have cemented their legacy in Nigerian football. As they prepare to represent Nigeria on the continental stage, the club is poised to chase further glory, captivating fans at home and abroad with their electrifying brand of football.
