Nigerian Football
The league title will be icing on Soname’s birthday cake on Sunday
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
“Let the music play; Make the voices sing; Start the celebration; Drums may roll out” is part of the lyrics of the famous song, ‘Barcelona’, composed and sung by Freddie Mercury along with Montserrat Caballé. It was originally to be the theme song for Barcelona 92, but for the demise of Mercury months earlier.
The recording of the song was played over a travelogue of Barcelona at the start of the international broadcast of the opening ceremony of the 1992 Summer Olympics.
The lyrics fit appropriately for Kunle Soname, as he turns 59 this Sunday, a day his club, Remo Stars, may emerge Nigerian champion. If that happens, he becomes the first man to be so blessed, as no other club owner has won major laurels on their birthdays.
A win by his club, Remo Stars, not only confer the Nigerian championship to the club, Soname will become the first sole proprietor to win the Nigerian league since that of Oscar Udoji’s Udoji United in 1996.
Still blazing on records, Soname’s club will become the first in Ogun State to win the Nigerian lead league and the first South West champions of Nigeria since 1998 when Shooting Stars won the Nigerian League.
Quiet, self-effacing, Soname is an Ikenne-born businessman who works silently, but efficiently like a brand-new air conditioner.
His ValueJet had been the career of the national team since 2023.
He has made a success in virtually all endeavours, and is well known for his cheerful disposition, humility and generosity.
On Friday, the Nigerian U17-Women’s team clinched a ticket to the World Cup, great thanks to this gentleman who not only quietly motivated the team financially, he hosted their home matches.
Yet he would not voice out the financial gestures, which only came out through secondary sources of the NFF.
Never since the days of Bashorun MKO Abiola has a man been known to run three football clubs.
Abiola had the famous Abiola Babes, Concord FC and also the ITT football club in Lagos.
Soname’s Remo Stars are getting beyond the blue skies. His Beyond Limits Football Academy has become a model that even CAF is quietly studying.
The club has become the launchpad into a professional football career for many Nigerian youngsters who are now flourishing in European and American leagues.
Soname’s third club, the Remo Stars Ladies, has qualified for the Super 6 of the NWFL. That they are still in the President Federation Cup points to the fact of a possible double title this season.
Soname is a game-changer whose support is not limited to football.
Since 2022, his Bet9ja outfit, which is easily the most popular in the gaming business, has been sponsoring the Southeast Bet9ja Foundation Badminton Championship, where close to 100 players have been featured.
Miracle Ufuasia of Enugu State collects her trophy and medal from Obiageli Solaja, the Africa Women in Badminton Award Winner, 2019.
The championship brought up budding badminton players, some of whom later made marks even at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
In an era where private ownership of football clubs is becoming a high-risk venture, Soname raised the bar with his Remo Stars, which has become a model football club in Nigeria.
Equipped with its own all-covered stadium, the club boasts of easily the best turf in Nigeria.
Those marvelling at the current Remo Stars Stadium will be swept off their feet as Soname is not done yet. A bigger arena is in the offing.
When he piloted Remo Stars to the international level, featuring in the 2022/23 CAF Confederation Cup, it was a landmark.
That was the first time in more than 30 years in Nigeria that a one-man-owned football club featured in a continental competition.
His club structure features a football academy, which is the nursery ground for Nigeria’s football stars. The 1998 Africa Footballer of the Year, Victor Ikpeba, was full of awe when he made a tour of the facilities of the academy where players of Beyond Limits are housed at two per room.
“Oh, I wish these were available in my formative years, the sky would have been my limit”, Ikpeba remarked to Sports Village Square.
The father of Super Eagles’ player Ola Aina, Femi Aina, was pleasantly surprised when he visited the Remo Stars facilities last year.
On getting inside, he exclaimed, saying he never imagined such a facility could exist in Nigeria, let alone his own small town of Ikenne.
This is comparable to what I am used to at the Chelsea academy in London, said Mr. Aina, who also remarked that he never knew there could still be another rich man, outside MKO Abiola in Nigeria, who has tremendous passion for football.
Olufemi Aina (c), father of Ola Aina, is thrilled at what Kunle Soname put up in Ikenne.
“I thought it was only the late MKO Abiola that has the capability of putting together a facility of this nature.
“This man, (Soname), earns my maximum respect.”, said Mr. Aina, who at that point had never met the Remo Stars proprietor.
“I am used to sports facilities, having been the one taking Ola to different academies when he was a teenager. “This place reminds me of Chelsea facilities.”
In the block were a gym, clinic, indoor swimming pool, hydrotherapy chamber, boardrooms and a clinic.
The next point of call was the restaurant being used by the pupils at the Beyond Limits Football Academy. The aroma and ambience were breathtaking. On the walls were messages of inspiration to the pupils and footballers.
The matron later informed Mr. Aina of the daily routine of the players and the level of discipline they are exposed to.
He met some of them at the common room where they were playing computer games. Mr. Aina introduced himself and told them of the tremendous privileges the players are enjoying and admonished them to make the best of the opportunity.
The residential buildings at Kunle Soname’s outfit have 56 rooms for junior and senior players, accommodating 112 footballers.
It has five semi-detached blocks of 10 units, two-bedroom coaches’ accommodation, a restaurant for players and officials, as well as an administrative block comprising offices, a conference room, a training classroom and reception.
The block is equipped with a panoramic lift to the first floor, which is the table tennis centre. A twin basketball court has been added as Soname’s facilities will be the epicentre of next month’s National Sports Festival. It will be the first time facilities owned by one man will play a prominent role in the 52-year-old sports fiesta.
Others are the sports centre block of the Remo Stars Stadium facility, comprising a gym, clinic, swimming pool, hydrotherapy chamber and a 30-room hotel with panoramic lift.
Also at the model arena is a tournament pitch with a 10,000-capacity covered pavilion, three training pitches, 2,000 capacity car parks and a good internal road.
Soname is possibly the only Nigerian who runs four clubs. Three are in Nigeria – Remo Stars, Remo Stars Ladies and Beyond Limits. He is also the owner of Portugal’s Clube Desportivo Feirense, which is commonly known as CD Feirense.
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As the countdown begins for the commencement of the 2026/27 Nigeria’s lead football league’s season, strategic partners of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), GTI Asset Management & Trust Limited, have welcomed plans by the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to significantly increase the prize money for Nigeria’s top-flight football competition, describing the move as a major step towards strengthening the domestic game.
The proposed increase, recently announced by the country’s football authorities, is expected to enhance competition among clubs and improve the league’s attractiveness to investors and corporate sponsors.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, GTI’s Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, said the initiative demonstrated a renewed commitment by Nigerian sports administrators to reposition the NPFL as a commercially viable and globally competitive league.
“GTI commends this progressive initiative. Increasing the NPFL prize money sends a strong statement of intent that will undoubtedly motivate clubs, improve competitiveness and send the right signals to investors and stakeholders about the future of Nigerian football,” Ekejiuba said.
He added that additional financial support from the NSC would further strengthen league operations and accelerate ongoing reforms.
GTI, which has been involved in the league’s restructuring and commercial development over the past four years, also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at transforming the NPFL into one of Africa’s leading football competitions.
According to Ekejiuba, the company has worked alongside the NPFL Board to improve corporate governance, enhance commercial opportunities and increase investor confidence in the league.
“The contributions of GTI Group cannot be overlooked. Over the last four years, we have remained steadfast in supporting the NPFL and helping to lay the foundation for a more structured, commercially viable and globally competitive football league,” he said.
The company stressed that collaboration among the NSC, NFF, NPFL Board and private-sector stakeholders would be critical to sustaining progress.
While welcoming the planned increase in prize money, GTI cautioned that deeper structural reforms would still be required to unlock the league’s full potential.
“It is not yet time to celebrate because there is still a great deal of work to be done,” Ekejiuba said.
He identified improved governance, club licensing, infrastructure development, broadcast production, content and data management, financial accountability and fan engagement as key areas requiring continued attention.
GTI said its long-term objective remains the creation of an accountable and transparent football ecosystem capable of attracting greater corporate investment and sponsorship into Nigerian football.
The company also noted that the current financial value of the NPFL, including the recently announced grant support, represents only a fraction of the league’s potential earnings.
“This collaboration between the NSC and NFF further complements the efforts of the NPFL Board and GTI. We welcome more partners to join this transformation journey because the current value, including the grant recently announced, represents less than two per cent of the league’s overall potential revenues which we expect to unlock over the next five years,” Ekejiuba said.
The latest endorsement from GTI comes as stakeholders intensify efforts to improve the commercial profile of the NPFL and position it as a stronger contributor to the growth of Nigeria’s football industry.
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Prominent Nigerians from all walks of life gathered at Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, Modakeke, on Friday to pay their final respects to former Super Eagles coach and ex-Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Director, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, whose burial rites drew dignitaries from across the country.
The solemn ceremony attracted top government officials, traditional rulers, political leaders, academics, philanthropists, religious figures, business executives, retired civil servants, former Nigeria internationals and football administrators, all united in celebrating the life and legacy of one of Nigeria’s most influential football personalities.
Tributes poured in for the late tactician, remembered as a pioneer who broke barriers for indigenous coaches in Nigerian football. Onigbinde was the first Nigerian coach to lead the country’s senior national team to the Africa Cup of Nations final and the first indigenous coach to take the Super Eagles to the FIFA World Cup finals.
Clergy members who officiated at the funeral service described the Modakeke High Chief as a man of integrity, discipline and service, whose influence extended beyond Nigeria to the global football community.
Beyond his achievements with the national team, Onigbinde served as Technical Adviser to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association and later rose to become a Technical Advisor to FIFA.
Representing the NFF, former Super Eagles captain and current Technical Director, Augustine Eguavoen, paid glowing tribute to the late coach, describing him as a mentor who played a significant role in shaping his football career.
“Chief Onigbinde had a tremendous impact on my footballing career,” Eguavoen said. “He was a pathfinder who elevated the status of indigenous coaches through his intellect, professionalism and dedication to the game.
“The NFF recognises and appreciates his immense service to our country. He rose to the pinnacle of the coaching profession through hard work, discipline and commitment. He was a towering figure in coaching, not only in Nigeria but globally.
“He was the first Nigerian to lead our Eagles to silver medals at the Africa Cup of Nations and the first indigenous coach to guide the team at the FIFA World Cup. Even after retirement, he continued to contribute immensely as a resource person during NFF coaching programmes. His legacy is enduring and impressive.”
Eguavoen added that the nation and the football community would continue to cherish the contributions of the late coach while praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
Former Nigeria captain and member of the NFF Technical and Development Committee, Dr Felix Owolabi, also extolled Onigbinde’s qualities, describing him as a courageous leader, an exceptional mentor and a man of unquestionable integrity whose knowledge of football earned him widespread respect.
Among those present at the funeral were former NFF General Secretary Ambassador Fanny Amun, NFF Director of Communications Dr Ademola Olajire, former Super Eagles captain Mutiu Adepoju, representatives of the Osun State Government, traditional rulers, former international players and ex-members of Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan, where Onigbinde made a lasting impact both as coach and administrator.
Dignitaries, football administrators, former internationals, traditional rulers and community leaders attend the burial rites of former Super Eagles coach and ex-Nigeria Football Federation Technical Director, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, at Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, Modakeke, Osun State, on Friday, paying tribute to one of Nigeria’s most influential football figures.
The Nigeria Football Federation also demonstrated its support for the family by making a financial contribution towards the funeral arrangements.
Widely regarded as one of the architects of modern Nigerian coaching, Chief Onigbinde leaves behind a rich legacy of service, excellence and pioneering achievements that helped shape the development of football in Nigeria and beyond.
For many gathered in Modakeke on Friday, the farewell was not only a burial ceremony but also a celebration of a life devoted to the growth of the beautiful game.
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Nigerian Football
Osimhen Clarifies Absence from Super Eagles Friendlies, Dismisses Transfer Speculation
Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen has moved to clarify the circumstances surrounding his absence from the Super Eagles’ forthcoming international friendly matches against Poland and Portugal, insisting that recent comments by head coach Eric Chelle were misunderstood.
The Galatasaray forward will not be part of Nigeria’s squad for the two high-profile friendlies this month, a development that sparked speculation after Chelle suggested that the striker was focused on resolving issues relating to a possible transfer.
While explaining the absence of key players from his squad, Chelle remarked that Osimhen could be on the verge of changing clubs, prompting widespread reports linking the Nigerian star to a move away from Turkish champions Galatasaray.
“We miss two players because Victor Osimhen may be about to change clubs,” Chelle had said.
The comments fuelled fresh speculation about the future of the 27-year-old striker, who has been linked with several top European clubs following another prolific season in Turkey.
However, Osimhen has now sought to calm the situation, revealing that he personally contacted the Super Eagles coach to discuss the remarks and clear up any misunderstanding.
In a statement posted on his Instagram Story, the Nigerian international stressed that Chelle’s comments had been taken out of context and did not reflect any intention to create controversy surrounding either his future or Galatasaray.
“I just got off the phone with Coach Eric Chelle regarding the comments about me in his recent interview,” Osimhen wrote.
“Unfortunately, his words have been taken out of context and blown out of proportion. He has great respect for Galatasaray, follows most of our games, and never intended to create any controversy.
“I appreciate the conversation, the opportunity to always represent my country, and I look forward to continuing to work with him. He is a great coach whom I respect a lot, and I kindly ask everyone to disregard the speculation surrounding this matter.”
Osimhen’s statement effectively confirms that his absence from the friendlies against Poland and Portugal should not be interpreted as a sign of tension with the national team setup. Rather, it appears to be a mutually understood arrangement as the striker manages personal and professional commitments during the transfer window.
The former Napoli star remains a central figure in Chelle’s plans as Nigeria continues preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
For now, the Super Eagles will take on Poland and Portugal without their leading marksman. Still, Osimhen has reaffirmed both his commitment to Nigeria and his strong working relationship with the national team coach.
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