The Wait is Over: Remo Stars Win First NPFL Title After Olamilekan Rocket Goal

Remo Stars have etched their name into the history books, becoming the first Southwest club to lift the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title in 25 years — a feat last achieved by Julius Berger in 2000. Their crowning moment came courtesy of a sensational 84th-minute rocket from Adedayo Olamilekan that ended years of yearning for Sky Blue Stars supporters.

It was a nervy, cagey affair in the opening 45 minutes at the Remo Stars Stadium. Despite dominating possession, Ibrahim Shuaib squandered two glorious chances to break the deadlock for the hosts. Time and again, the resilient Niger Tornadoes goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo stood tall, pulling off brilliant saves and using every trick in the book to frustrate the rampant home side.

The second half saw a shift in gears from Remo Stars. In the 62nd minute, Alex Oyowah came agonizingly close, rattling the woodwork with a thunderous effort that had the fans holding their breath. Haruna Hadi also went close in the 82nd minute, curling a low shot that drifted inches wide of the far post.

But the breakthrough the fans so desperately craved finally arrived in the 84th minute. Substitute Adedayo Olamilekan, introduced just five minutes earlier, collected a loose half-hearted in midfield and unleashed a blistering strike from distance. His rocket shot smashed the underside of the crossbar before crossing the line, sparking scenes of pure euphoria inside the stadium.

As the final whistle blew, pandemonium erupted. Jubilant fans stormed the pitch in celebration, knowing they had witnessed a moment that would be forever etched in Remo Stars folklore.

For club owner Kunle Soname, the moment was even more special. On his 59th birthday, he saw the team he founded 15 years ago reach the pinnacle of Nigerian football — a fitting birthday present for a man whose vision and investment laid the foundation for this triumph.

🏆CHAMPIONS AT LAST!

Patience, passion, persistence.

1️⃣5️⃣years of waiting, 1️⃣ moment of glory.

Tonight, the stars don’t just shine — they reign.

REMO STARS — Champions of Nigeria ✨ #RemoReigns | #WeAreRemoStars | #NPFL25 pic.twitter.com/7l8QXguudj

— Remo Stars Sports Club (@RemoStarsSC) April 27, 2025

The victory also ended a 25-year title drought for the entire Southwest region, underlining the significance of Remo Stars’ achievement not just for the club but for regional pride.

Manager Daniel Ogunmodede, who has balanced his role as Super Eagles assistant coach alongside his club duties, masterminded the title charge with tactical astuteness and an unyielding belief in his young, dynamic squad.

Now sitting atop the NPFL table with 68 points — a full 10 points clear of second-placed Rivers United — Remo Stars have not only secured their first-ever league crown but have also surpassed their previous best points tally of 65 from last season.

For the Sky Blue Stars and their legion of faithful, the wait is finally over — and the era of Remo Stars dominance might just be beginning.

Victor Onuh

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