Remo Stars Football Club, a privately-owned club has won the 2024/2025 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Title on April 27, 2025.
Olamilekan Adebayo’ decisive goal in Sky Blue Stars’ 1-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes today in Ikenne confirms Daniel Ogunmodede‘s side as the first South West club to win the NPFL title since Julius Berger in 2000.
Remo Stars Football Club have recorded 68 points from 35 matches, 10 points clear of closest rivals Rivers United with three rounds of matches to the end of the season. It would be recalled that the Ikenne club finished runners-up in the league for the past two seasons and they will therefore represent Nigeria in next year’s CAF Champions League along with the eventual runners-up this season.
Former Director General of National Sports Commission, Gbenga Elegbeleye, has done the unimaginable feat in the league as private clubs – Remo and Ikorodu City that are hitherto known to be battling relegation due to activities of some unscrupulous elements are now occupying the top 4 positions in the league table.
This is not unconnected with the sanctions of some erring fans, banishment of some stadia, deduction of points and eviction of corrupt match officials in the last three seasons.
Now, that the NPFL is coincidentally aligning with the global football calendar, particularly the most watched, popular and highest coefficient ranking league, English Premier League, it is a testament to the hard work and determination of the league regulators headed by Gbenga Elegbeleye in putting NPFL at par with the rest of the world in line with global best practices.
Hon. Elegbeleye, the chairman of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Board had assured league stakeholders and fans of ongoing improvements in the competition. He noted that while no system is perfect, the NPFL remained committed to continuous progress in alignment with international best practices.
Reflecting on the league’s progress over the past three years, the league winner’s cash prize from ₦100 million in the first year to ₦150 million in the second, and now ₦200 million for the 2024/2025 season.
The graduate of Obafemi Awolowo university also honored commitment regarding the prize money partnering with GTI, as referees now receive their allowances directly, which has significantly improved the standard of officiating. He also received audited financial statement for the past two years.
Part of his board long vision is to establish a self-sustaining system for NPFL. A key part of this vision includes educating stakeholders on effectively managing professional league clubs.
To support this, he has introduced Vagency Consulting, aimed at enhancing scouting efforts, with additional training programs planned for other aspects of football club management.
Remo Stars will officially be crowned 2024/2025 NPFL champions in their next home game.
