Nigerian Football
Curtain falls on NPFL’s 2024/25 Season with a dramatic ending at the bottom
Even before the last match day on Sunday, the top three for continental assignments were already known. But the expected drama was at the backwaters, where the battle against relegation was the highlight.
With the title already won, Remo Stars had little to fight for as they were inflicted with their worst defeat of the season, losing 3-0 to Bayelsa United.
Shooting Stars also beat their age-long rivals, Enugu Rangers, 5-1 in what was a face-saving battle.
Elsewhere, Rivers United narrowed the gap with league champions, Remo Stars after defeating Nasarawa United 2-1. Niger Tornadoes also beat Kano Pillars 3-2.
Relegated Lobi Stars made one last dance in the elite league by defeating Bendel Insurance 2-1.
President Federation Cup continental ticket-seeking Kwara United lost 1-0 to Katsina United in their last league match of the season.
What was initially to be a Confederation Cup ticket decider, a battle of Ikorodu City and Abia Warriors in Lagos was all the same fiercely contested.
Ikorodu City won 3-2. But for losing to Remo Stars three weeks ago, the defeat of Abia Warriors would have yielded dividends to Ikorodu City who ended fourth on the log.
Sunshine Stars’ miserable season ended with a 2-1 home loss to Niger Tornadoes.
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Nigeria’s elite league’s 2020/21 champions have been relegated as the curtain fell on the 2024/25 season on Sunday.
The relegation from the Nigeria Premier Football League was confirmed following an away 2-1 loss to fellow relegation side, Heartland of Owerri.
It is the second time since 2009 that the club will be relegated. The club regretted the drop and issued a statement apologising on the X platform to its fans.
“Following the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, we wish to express our disappointment and apologize to everyone associated with our club over our inability to retain our league status for top-flight football next season.”
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On Wednesday, FIFA celebrated its 121st anniversary. The supranational football governing body congratulated Nigerian football rave of the moment, Remo Stars. They are Nigeria’s new champions.
In a letter signed by the FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, and addressed to the NFF President, FIFA commended Remo Stars’ constant efforts. They recognized their results throughout the season. The efforts have paid off, resulting in this important title.
FIFA’s letter to NFF President
“By means of this letter. I am pleased to congratulate the new champions of Nigeria, Remo Stars FC…Congratulations to each and every member of the team and the club for this great achievement”, Infantino remarked.
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There have been victory parades by football teams in Nigeria, but none have moved close to what Remo Stars offered this Friday.
Even the ones by the Nigerian national teams did not move close to that of the inimitable Remo Stars. Clubs and teams have paraded in open trailers and trucks.
Nigeria Women’s national team, Super Falcons in victory parade after WAFCON win in 2018.
Enugu Rangers, the 2024 champions had their parade using a truck, just as done by champions before them.
Enugu Rangers’ parade in 2016.
Another Enugu Rangers’ victory parade.
Parade by 2023 champions, Enyimba.
Akwa United’s victory parade in 2021
The glamorous Remo Stars have added colours to victory parades.
But Remo Stars have raised the bar with a parade on an open double-decker bus painted in the club’s sky-blue colour and lavishly as well as beautifully branded with the club’s name and emblem.
It is a sign of a well-structured and cultured club, worthy of emulation.
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