Remo Stars skipper, Junior Nduka Harrison, will play his final match for the reigning Nigerian champions when they face Kun-Khalifat in Owerri on Sunday.

Nduka, who has been a key figure in the Ikenne-based club’s rise, is leaving at the end of his contract and is set to join Erbil Sports Club of Iraq.

According to club sources, the defender opted to pursue his career abroad rather than renew his deal or move to another Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side.

His departure follows that of deputy captain and second-choice goalkeeper, Kayode Bankole, who is heading to South Africa.

 With both captains exiting, questions have been raised about the team’s leadership. However, sources say the armband is likely to pass to defender Adedayo Olamilekan, the third in command, who was rewarded with a car in July after being named the club’s best player last season.

Despite the exits, Remo Stars have strengthened their squad ahead of their continental campaign.

Among the new signings are two Malian imports, Chaka Coulibaly and Adama Goita. Also returning is striker Victor Mbaoma, who has rejoined the club for a third spell after stints with Akwa United, Enyimba, MC Algiers (Algeria), Oizilqum Zarafshon (Uzbekistan), and APR FC of Rwanda.

Mbaoma made an immediate impact, scoring in the league opener against Rivers United.

Victor Mbaoma returns on a third spell

Other additions include goalkeeper Kolimba Alladoum, who impressed with 16 clean sheets for Katsina United last season, left-back Chigozie Chilekwu from Tabora United (Tanzania), as well as Sani Faisal, Emmanuel Ofori, and Vincent Edafe.

With key departures balanced by a wave of new signings, Remo Stars will be banking on fresh energy and experience to maintain their domestic dominance and make an impact on the continental stage.

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The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has lifted the suspension placed on a former Plateau United goalkeeper while escalating its probe into allegations of involvement in illegal betting.

The player, whose identity remains shielded, had been barred from registering with any NPFL club pending the outcome of an inquest into the case.

However, following a hearing held last Thursday at the NPFL office in Abuja—where the goalkeeper appeared alongside his legal representative—the suspension was lifted.

According to NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, who led the inquest, the player cooperated fully with the panel and provided insights that widened the scope of the investigation.

“The NPFL has now written to commend the player for cooperating with the panel and offering further insights that have necessitated a wider investigation involving some others,” Owumi disclosed.

In a letter addressed to the player, the NPFL explained that evidence gathered during the inquest, including WhatsApp exchanges in its possession, mentioned other individuals who will now be invited for questioning.

“It is only fair that your career is not jeopardised while the investigation hasn’t been concluded, hence the suspension placed on your registration in the NPFL has been lifted. You are free to register for any club of your choice. We thank you for your prompt response and cooperation,” the letter stated.

The case began after the league received reports that the goalkeeper had declined to sign a contract with Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) because it contained a clause prohibiting involvement in betting activities. This led to the initial suspension of his registration across NPFL clubs.

With the scope of inquiry now broadened, the NPFL is set to invite other players whose names surfaced during the probe as the league seeks to maintain integrity and transparency in Nigerian football.

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The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has confirmed that standout performers of the 2024/25 season, striker Yusuf Anas and Coach Daniel Ogunmodede,, will be formally honoured on Tuesday, September 2, in Abuja.

The awards, initially delayed due to the pair’s involvement with the CHAN Eagles’ preparations and participation, will now hold at a special reception organised by the NPFL board.

NPFL Chairman, Gbenga Elegbeleye, said the recognition aligns with the league’s policy of promoting excellence by rewarding exceptional contributions to Nigerian football.

“It has been our policy to encourage players, coaches and the entire team to elevate the quality of our league football through outstanding performances,” Elegbeleye stated. “We have consistently rewarded our best clubs, top scorers and best-performing coaches in partnership with our investment partner, GTI Asset Management and Trust Limited.”

Anas, who plays for Nasarawa United, emerged as the league’s top scorer with 17 goals. Ogunmodede, meanwhile, guided Remo Stars to a historic first-ever NPFL title since the club’s founding.

Jabbar Malik (15) celebrates with Anas Yusuf (14) after the latter opened the scoring for the Super Eagles B in the eventual 2-2 draw with Zanzibar before CHAN started.

According to Elegbeleye, each awardee will receive a cash prize of ₦1.5 million alongside a commemorative plaque to mark their achievements.

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