Nigerian Football
Man of the Match, Andy Okpe, Coach Ogunbote still in blue cloud as Ikenne host its first NPFL match
The 3-0 defeat of one of Nigerian football powerhouses, Heartland by Remo Stars on Sunday was the first ever Nigeria Professional Football League match in the town known more for its political significance as the home of some legendary politicians such as Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Tai Solarin, Chief Kehinde Sofola and the current Nigeria Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibajo.
Little wonder, the home stadium of Remo Stars was filled to the brim in the only pavilion designed for spectators.
They were not disappointed as the result squared with expectation. Coach Gbenga Ogunbote, a veteran of the league remarked that he was delighted with his boys for grinding out all three points.
With the win, the club is having a perfect run in the league having gathered maximum six points in two matches and not conceding any goal.
Speaking with RSFC Media, Gbenga Ogunbote disclosed that he is worried that two of his first team players (Isah Ali and Qudus Akanni) were injured in the Sunday match.
“I am happy and delighted we won the game, but we lost the grip of the game. I had spoken to them about it and it showed in how they expressed themselves in the second half. It is good it happened while we were two goals up, it would have been as mess if they have scored a goal, but we have learned for it.”
“It calls for concern on my paths losing two first team players, it is massive on my side. We have capable medical crew, we will wait to see what they can do but if they cannot do anything, we will be forced to pick from the substitutes.”
“The next game is a tempting one, we just need to try everything humanly possible to get the result we desire, positive result in that game will make us stabilize and it will give the players the massive confident to know that we can remain in the league.”
So far, the Remo Stars have not picked the ball out of their own net. Goalkeeper, Kayode Bankole has dedicated his clean sheets to God, his coaches and his teammates.
He helped his side to a 2-0 victory against MFM FC in Lagos and now a 3-0 victory with two clean sheets in two games in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
Remo Stars defeated Heartland FC 3-0 at the Remo Stars Stadium all thanks to Andy Okpe’s brace and a half volley from Samuel Anakwe to give the host all three points.
Speaking with RSFC Media, Kayode indicated that he is hopeful of getting another clean sheets and all three points against Nasarawa United in matchday three of the NPFL.
“I am glad, I want to thank God Almighty and my teammates for making it possible for him to achieve the clean sheets. I can’t do it alone and that’s why it’s called a team work.”
“We play Nasarawa United on Wednesday and I hope we get another victory come Wednesday, it’s not going to be easy, but I am hopeful that we will get another win and another clean sheet by God’s grace.”
“Like we have always said, our major target is to remain in the league, and we will accept any other addition that come our way.”
Meanwhile, the hero of Sunday victory, Andy Okpe has remarked that the game with Heartland was very tough.
He put the Sky Blue Stars in front three minutes into the game before getting his brace two minutes after his first goal to give the host a comfortable win.
Speaking with RSFC Media, he made it known that they came into the game with the mentality of winning and it really assisted them in getting the deserved victory.
‘It was a nice game for me though the game was tough, but we had to put in a lot of effort to get the win, we came into the game with the mentality of winning, and we are not expected to lose on this home ground because we call it the slaughter ground.”
“We are already preparing for the game against Nasarawa United and we will go into it with a bigger mentally than this and we hope to get the victory.”
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
By beating Niger Tornadoes 1-0 to win the Nigeria Premier Football League on Sunday, Remo Stars have become the 21st club to win the title since the league at national level was introduced in 1972.
But if professional football is the consideration, they become the 17th champions since 1990.
Most titles have been won by Enyimba, who won their 9th title in the 2022/23 season.
Yet, it was not a bed of roses for the club that is arguably Nigeria’s most successful club.
They were relegated in 1991 after finishing 15th in a 16-team league.
They returned to the elite division in 1994 after topping the lower division in 1993.
The next most successful club is Enugu Rangers, who have eight titles. But the bulk is in the amateur era when they were the dominant force in Nigerian football.
Since the professional period, Enugu Rangers have won just two titles in 2016 and 2024.
They are followed up by their age-long rivals, Shooting Stars, who have five titles, the last of which was won 27 years ago.
Heartland also have five titles, all won when the club was Iwuanyanwu Nationale.
Next are Kano Pillars, who are the second club from Kano to win the league. Before their four victories in 2008 and from 2012 to 2014, the now-defunct Raccah Rovers were Nigeria’s champions in 1978.
The NPFL winning team of 2021/22, Rivers United, can lay claim to four titles following the victory of Eagle Cement in 1997 and that of succeeding Dolphins in 2004 and 2011. Rivers United is a fusion of the older Sharks FC and Dolphins (previously Eagle Cement) in 2016.
Bendel Insurance have two titles won in 1973 and 1979 before the advent of professional football in Nigeria.
Also winning twice are the defunct Julius Berger of Lagos, who were champions in 1991 and 1999.
Other past winners who are no longer in the topflight of Nigerian football include Mighty Jets, the inaugural winners of 1972; Raccah Rovers of Kano (1978); New Nigerian Bank (1985); Leventis United (1986); Stationary Stores (1992); Udoji United (1996); and Ocean Boys (2006).
Others with single titles are Plateau United (2017) and Akwa United (2021).
Champions by season
- 1972 – Mighty Jets
- 1973 – Bendel Insurance
- 1974 – Enugu Rangers
- 1975 – Enugu Rangers
- 1976 – Shooting Stars
- 1977 – Enugu Rangers
- 1978 – Raccah Rovers, Kano
- 1979 – Bendel Insurance
- 1980 – Shooting Stars
- 1981- Enugu Rangers
- 1982 – Enugu Rangers
- 1983 – Shooting Stars
- 1984 – Enugu Rangers
- 1985 – New Nigeria Bank
- 1986 – Leventis United, Ibadan
- 1987 – Iwuanyanwu Nationale (now Heartland)
- 1988 – Iwuanyanwu Nationale
- 1989 – Iwuanyanwu Nationale
- 1990- Iwuanyanwu Nationale
- 1991 – Julius Berger
- 1992 – Stationery Stores
- 1993 – Iwuanyanwu Nationale
- 1994 – BCC Lions
- 1995 – Shooting Stars
- 1996 – Udoji United
- 1997 -Dolphins
- 1998 – Shooting Stars
- 1999 – Lobi Stars
- 2000 – Julius Berger
- 2001 – Enyimba
- 2002 – Enyimba
- 2003 – Enyimba
- 2004 – Dolphins
- 2005 – Enyimba
- 2006 – Ocean Boys
- 2007 – Enyimba
- 2008 – Kano Pillars
- 2009 – Bayelsa United
- 2010 – Enyimba
- 2011 – Dolphin
- 2012 – Kano Pillars
- 2013 – Kano Pillars
- 2014 – Kano Pillars
- 2015 – Enyimba
- 2016 – Enugu Rangers
- 2017 – Plateau United
- 2018 – Cancelled
- 2019 – Enyimba
- 2020 – Cancelled Owing to COVID-19
- 2021- Akwa United
- 2022 – Rivers United
- 2023 – Enyimba
- 2024 – Enugu Rangers
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Nigerian Football
AMAC Crowned Inaugural Champions of FCT FA Women’s Inter-Area Councils Football Tournament
The AMAC Area Council have been crowned champions of the maiden edition of the FCT FA Women’s Inter-Area Councils Football Tournament, following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Gwagwalada Area Council on Sunday.
A first-half solitary strike from Ruth Torsue handed Atandex Taiwo’s side the historic triumph in the final held at the FIFA Goal Project Pitch, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on Sunday, April 27, 2025.
In the earlier third-place playoff, Kwali edged Kuje 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time to secure the bronze medal.
As reward for their historic achievement, AMAC were presented with a cash prize of ₦250,000, while runners-up Gwagwalada and third-placed Kwali received ₦150,000 and ₦100,000 respectively.
A major highlight of the day was the conferment of a Meritorious Award on the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and First Vice President of WAFU Zone B, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contributions to football development in Nigeria and beyond.
Speaking after receiving the award, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, who had just returned from the CAF African Schools Football Championship finals in Ghana, praised the FCT Football Association and tournament sponsor Pat Ajuma Ayegba for their unwavering commitment to grassroots football.
“I am fulfilled being part of this huge success. Championships like this are the real platforms for talent discovery, and I must commend the organizers for their vision and execution,” Gusau said.
“I made a vow to be here and am proud to identify with initiatives like this. It aligns perfectly with my agenda of promoting grassroots development since coming into office and taking the sport to every corner of the country. I am truly proud of the investment and dedication shown by Pat Ajuma Ayegba, and I fully support initiatives of this nature.”
Tournament initiator and sponsor, Pat Ajuma Ayegba, expressed immense satisfaction with the successful delivery of the competition.
“This is a dream come true. I congratulate all the participating teams, especially the champions AMAC, for their outstanding performance,” Ayegba stated.
“I sincerely thank the NFF President for the incredible honour of his presence and the fond memories offered to these young, ambitious female footballers. I also deeply appreciate the support of the Minister of Women’s Affairs and the humongous backing of the FCT FA leadership.”
FCT FA Chairman Muktar Adam Mohammed, represented by First Vice Chairman Alhaji Salihu Kolo, also hailed the tournament’s success and applauded Pat Ajuma Ayegba’s landmark achievement.
“We are extremely proud of the successful maiden edition of this championship. The attendance of the NFF President and the dedication shown by Pat Ajuma Ayegba have given this tournament a strong foundation for future growth,” Kolo remarked.
In a similar vein, the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, represented by her Special Assistant, Alkali Suleiman, commended the organisers for their transformative vision.
“This initiative is highly commendable, creating a platform that takes young girls off the streets and engages them positively through sports,” Suleiman stated.
“On behalf of the Honourable Minister, I pledge our Ministry’s continued support to sustain and grow this laudable project as it aligns with our agenda.”
In recognition of outstanding performances, Jimoh Kairat of Gwagwalada was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament, while the Best Goalkeeper award went to AMAC’s impressive shotstopper, Duru Blessing. Saratu Danladi also shone brightly, emerging as the tournament’s Highest Goal Scorer.
The well-attended final also attracted several high-profile dignitaries, including former FCT FA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National League (NNL), Emmanuel Attah; General Manager of NTA Sports, Kayode Adeniyi; Corps Command Daniel Asanya; former Chairman of FCT Coaches Association, Godwin Bamigboye; as well as FCT FA Board Members Femi Ajilore, Patrick Bassey, and FCT FA Secretary, Haruna Ilerika.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
They have been knocking since Season 2021-2022 when they finished third on the log.
In the following season, they were just a goal short of becoming the Nigerian champions.
Last season, they finished second again. But now, the door has finally opened, and on the club owner’s birthday!
Remo Stars have emerged as the Nigeria Premier Football League champions, even with three matches to spare! After a hard fought battle, they beat Niger Tornadoes 1-0 to attain an unassailable 10-point lead which confer the Nigerian championship to them.
The trailing team, Rivers United can only close the gap with nine points if they win all the remaining three matches and if Remo Stars fail to win theirs.
What a turnaround for a team that had twice been relegated in the past eight years. Perseverance, good planning and good structure have seen them taste the good wine.
What a feat! They become the first Nigerian champion to have come from a small town, the previously sleepy urban village of Ikenne.
Tension all the way!
And so, records come tumbling down. Ikenne is not just known for the production of eminent politicians and jurists, it is staking a claim to be the new destination of not just football, but sports generally.
A large proportion of the events of the 22nd National Sports Festival will be held in the ‘little’ town, which has become the smallest town to produce a Nigerian champion.
Roll out the drums in the 33 towns and settlements that make up Remo. Let the voices sing all over Ogun State, which is producing its first Nigeria League winners since the state was created on February 3, 1976.
Let the celebration start all over the federation as a model club with proper structure has finally emerged as Nigeria’s champions!
History still beckons to them. With nine more points obtainable from their remaining three matches, Remo Stars can still exceed the 77-point mark established by the current worthy runners-up, Rivers United, who in the 2021-22 season set a record of 77 points in a season since the 20-team format was institutionalised 21 years ago.
Remo Stars still have more records to assail. Their 1-0 defeat of Niger Tornadoes is their 21st win this season. They need two more wins to equal the 23 established by Port Harcourt sides, Dolphins in 2009/2010 and Rivers United in the 2021/22 season.
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Remo Stars are Nigeria’s 21st League Champions
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