By Timothy Dehinbo
Just about four years ago, Remo Stars made their return to the NPFL after relegation in 2019.
Since then, they’ve been steadily building a reputation, competing at the highest level year in and out.
After earning a promotion in 2021, they quickly made an impact, finishing third in the 2021/22 season.
In 2022/2023, with the league adopting a Championship playoff instead of the usual 38-game season, Remo Stars finished second, just behind Enyimba on goal difference, in their first NPFL title charge.
Last season, they backed it up with another strong campaign, taking second place behind the Rangers.
Now, in the 2024/25 season, after 28 matchdays, they find themselves at the top of the table, eight points clear of second place with just 10 games to go. The title is within their grasp, and the rest of the league is left chasing them.
Daniel Ogunmodede now has an idea of what the title run-in may feel like in Ikenne, as he confronts the final quarter of the NPFL season, eight points clear of second place, with a few teams like Rivers United, Rangers Intl, and Shooting Stars in contention.
As the season enters its final quarter, Timothy Dehinbo assesses Remo Stars’ remaining fixtures, weighing the positives and negatives of what lies ahead in their bid for success.
NPFL Title Charge: Heartland (Sunday, H)
Current Position: 15th
The first leg ended in a 1-0 win for Heartland in Owerri on Matchday 9, but a lot has changed since then.
Twenty games later, Remo Stars are in a far better position than they were back then.
Hosting Heartland in Ikenne, there’s only one acceptable outcome for Remo Stars—a win. They’ve been near-perfect at home this season, dropping points just once, and that was against second-placed Rivers United.
Realistically, there’s little for Remo Stars to be concerned about here. Heartland, just two points above the relegation zone, will be desperate for a result, but Remo Stars have the quality and momentum to brush them aside.
Lobi Stars (Mar 23, A)
Current Position: 20th
If Remo Stars get past Heartland, the points gap at the top could stretch further, depending on results elsewhere.
But if there’s one game they would love to follow that up with, it’s this one—Lobi Stars.
Lobi Stars are in deep trouble.
They’re struggling, staring at relegation, and at this point, survival would take more than just a miracle. Remo Stars, meanwhile, have picked up more points on the road than anyone this season. Against a side in freefall, they’ll back themselves.
Lobi have turned to yet another new coach, with Tope Bolus—formerly of Katsina United and MFM FC stepping in.
Maybe he sparks a reaction. Maybe not. Either way, Remo Stars will feel this is theirs to lose.
Enyimba (Mar 30, H)
Current Position: 7th
Right now, Remo Stars sit 13 points clear of Enyimba. And looking at the way their fixtures are lined up—Heartland, Lobi, then Enyimba—it almost feels like the perfect setup for them.
The last time Remo Stars lost to Enyimba was back in March 2022. After taking on Heartland and Lobi Stars, what better way to continue than facing Enyimba at home in Ikenne, where they’ve been rock solid?
Enyimba haven’t exactly been poor, but they haven’t been at their dominant best, either. And given Remo Stars’ home form this season—plus their recent record against Enyimba—you’d back them to get the job done. By the time this one rounds off, they could be edging even closer to the title.
Rivers United (Apr 4, A)
Current Position: 2nd
This one won’t be straightforward. League leaders or not, the most in-form team or not, a trip to the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium to face Rivers United is never an easy ride.
Remo Stars will know that. They might find it tough to get the job done here, but in the bigger picture, it might not even matter. By then, their position could be strong enough that a setback—if it happens—won’t derail much. Either way, they should still have one hand on the title.
Remo Stars Vs Katsina United (Apr 13, H)
Current Position: 13th
Katsina United have taken just three points away from home all season. If there’s a team Remo Stars should be wary of at this stage—Matchday 33—it’s probably not them. No disrespect, but their away form has been poor.
All three of those points came against sides deep into the relegation fight. They’re not the kind of team you’d expect to turn up in Ikenne and cause problems. Even if Remo Stars are already within touching distance of the title by then, this is a game they should be winning.
NPFL Title Charge: Shooting Stars (Apr 20, A)
Current Position: 4th.
It’s Derby Day, Matchday 34. You know it’s going to be tough—derbies always are.
But there’s more at stake here than just bragging rights. Shooting Stars are also eyeing a spot in the CAF continental stages, so the pressure will be on for both teams. Remo Stars can’t expect an easy ride.
There’s also the added element of revenge. Shooting Stars will be gunning for payback after losing to Remo in Ikenne earlier in the season. But even if Remo does drop points here, it might not matter too much. They’ll either be in a strong position to seal the title or still have enough games left to get it done.
NPFL Title Charge: Niger Tornadoes (Apr 27, H)
Current Position: 9th
As with every other home game analysed, the expectation for Remo Stars here is clear: an outright win. That’s what they’ll be aiming for unless, by this stage they’ve already secured the title mathematically, in which case they might ease off a little.
For Niger Tornadoes, their hopes will hinge on one of two things—either Remo Stars are already champions by then, or they’ve managed to pull themselves clear of relegation danger.
NPFL Title Charge: El Kanemi Warriors (May 7, A)
Current Position: 10th
El Kanemi Warriors have been one of the more impressive sides this season, pulling off a few surprises along the way.
They’re just four points off a continental spot, having represented Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup earlier this year after winning the Federation Cup.
That continental run was short-lived, though, as they were knocked out in the first round.
Whether they can push for another spot this season remains to be seen, but Remo Stars could play a role in that ambition.
El Kanemi Warriors will need to get past the Remo Stars, whom they last beat in 2017.
For Remo Stars, if they still hold the eight-point lead they have right now, a draw will be enough to seal the title. But you can be sure they’ll want more than that. If they’ve clinched the championship by then, this could feel like a formality for their NPFL title charge.
NPFL Title Charge: Ikorodu City (May 11, H)
Current Position: 3rd
It’s derby time again, but this one could be a bit different for Remo Stars. Imagine it; Ikorodu City FC lining up to give them a guard of honor and Remo lifting the title at home.
What better way to seal the championship than with your rivals giving you that respect?
For Ikorodu City, that’s something they won’t want to see.
They’ll be hoping Remo Stars are already champions by then, so they don’t have to partake.
Considering how the first leg played out in Lagos—a fiery derby on the pitch and even more tension after the final whistle—you can bet this one will be just as intense. Expect a real fight.
NPFL Title Charge: Bayelsa United (May 25, A)
Current Position:16th
Let’s put aside the picture of smooth sailing for Remo Stars. Now, imagine this: they falter at some point in the final stages, and they need to win this game to become champions.
At the same time, Bayelsa United is fighting for survival and must win to stay up. That’s a recipe for an absolute cracker of a match.
Neither Remo Stars nor Bayelsa United would want to be in that position, but if it comes down to it, you won’t find a more gripping contest in the 2024/25 NPFL season. The stakes would be through the roof, and it could be a game for the ages.
NB: Please note that the dates for these games are provisional and may be adjusted by the league authorities.
With just 10 games left in the season, Remo Stars are in a strong position to win their first-ever NPFL title. It’s all in their hands now – they can either hold on tight or let it slip away.
