Remo Stars Football Club etched their name into Nigerian football history on Sunday, April 27, 2025, after clinching their first-ever Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title. A decisive goal from Olamilekan Adebayo sealed a 1-0 victory against Niger Tornadoes at their home ground in Ikenne, confirming the Sky Blue Stars as champions with three matches left. The club, coached by Daniel Ogunmodede, becomes the first South West side to win the NPFL title since Julius Berger in 2000. Remarkably, on the same day, Liverpool FC were crowned 2024/2025 English Premier League champions after thrashing Tottenham Hotspur 5-1.
Remo Stars amassed an impressive 68 points from 35 games, sitting 10 points clear of nearest rivals Rivers United. The title victory marks a new dawn, especially after finishing as runners-up in the last two seasons. Their triumph not only earns them a spot in next year’s CAF Champions League but also symbolizes a significant shift in Nigeria’s football narrative, with private clubs like Remo and Ikorodu City now dominating the top four thanks to reforms initiated by the NPFL board. Measures such as fan sanctions, stadium bans, points deductions, and the removal of corrupt officials have significantly improved league standards.
This historic achievement aligns perfectly with the NPFL’s ambitious goal of syncing with the global football calendar. Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye, Chairman of the NPFL Board, has overseen transformative changes, including raising the league champion’s prize money from ₦100 million to ₦220 million and enforcing transparency in referees’ payments. Under his leadership, the NPFL is gradually positioned as a reputable brand, embracing international best practices and strengthening professionalism across clubs.
As Remo Stars prepare for their coronation in their next home fixture, the future of Nigerian football looks brighter than ever. With private ownership thriving, quality officiating improving, and league administration embracing global standards, Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye’s tenure sets the stage for the NPFL to rise as a premier destination in world football. Today, as Liverpool equals Manchester United’s 20-title record, Nigeria celebrates its football revolution led by visionaries and determined champions.
