The Confederation of African Football, CAF has highlighted on its website, the feat of Remo Stars of Ikenne who on Sunday secured their maiden Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title.

 Remo Stars edged Niger Tornadoes 1-0 at the Remo Stars Stadium to write a new chapter in their history.

A late goal from Olamilekan Muhammed Adebayo in the 84th minute proved decisive, sparking celebrations as the Sky-Blue Stars finally got their hands on the prestigious trophy.

The crucial victory moved Remo Stars to 68 points after 35 matches, having recorded 21 wins, five draws, and nine losses.

They hold a commanding 10-point lead over second-placed Rivers United, who sit on 58 points from 16 wins, 10 draws, and nine defeats.

Abia Warriors occupy third place with 56 points, while Ikorodu City are fourth on 53 points as the league campaign approaches its final stages.

A Journey Years in the Making

Founded in 2004 by Kunle Soname under the name FC Dender, Remo Stars have steadily climbed the ranks of Nigerian football over the past two decades.

 Their ascent saw them earn promotion to the Nigeria National League (NNL) in 2010. However, progress was not always linear.

The club faced relegation from the top flight in 2018 but showed resilience by bouncing back in 2021, securing a place in the NPFL after finishing second in the NNL playoff Group A.

This title triumph marks a historic achievement not just for the club but also for the Southwest region.

Remo Stars are the first club from the region to win the Nigerian top-flight title since Shooting Stars lifted the trophy in 1998.

Looking Ahead

With the NPFL title secured, Remo Stars now turn their attention to preparations for continental football, as they are set to represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF Champions League.

It is a moment of immense pride for the club’s management, players, and supporters, who have waited patiently for their rise to the summit of Nigerian football.

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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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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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