Remo Stars made history on Sunday, clinching their maiden Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title.
The Sky Blue Stars secured the championship with a 1-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes, courtesy of a late goal by Adebayo Olamilekan. Their triumph marks the first time a privately-owned club has lifted the NPFL trophy since Udoji United’s success in 1996.
Fittingly, the landmark achievement came on the 59th birthday of club owner Kunle Soname, a prominent businessman with interests spanning aviation and the gaming industry.
With 68 points from 35 matches, Remo Stars have opened an unassailable 10-point lead over nearest rivals Rivers United, with three rounds of games left in the season.
The Ikenne-based side had finished as runners-up in each of the past two seasons, underlining the significance of their breakthrough.
Founded 15 years ago as FC Dender in Lagos, the club relocated to neighbouring Ogun State and rebranded as Remo Stars in 2011.
They will now represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF Champions League alongside the eventual NPFL runners-up, while the third-placed team will compete in the CAF Confederation Cup.
