Can Remo Stars Defend Their 2024/25 NPFL Title in the 2025/26 Season?
Remo Stars Football Club made history in the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season by clinching their maiden title with a commanding 71 points, finishing 10 points ahead of second-placed Rivers United. Their victory, sealed with a 4-1 rout of Ikorodu City on May 11, 2025, marked them as the first privately owned club to win the NPFL since Udoji United in 1996 and the first Southwest club to do so since Julius Berger in 1991. With their sights now set on the 2025/26 season and a chance to defend their title, questions arise about their ability to maintain dominance in a highly competitive league. This article discusses the eligible teams for the 2025/26 NPFL season, compares Remo Stars’ prospects next season to their title-winning campaign, evaluates their chances of defending the title, and proposes strategies to ensure success.
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Eligible Teams in the 2025/26 NPFL Season
The 2025/26 NPFL season will feature 20 teams, comprising those who survived relegation in the 2024/25 season and four promoted teams from the Nigeria National League (NNL). Based on the 2024/25 season standings and typical NPFL promotion/relegation patterns, the following teams are expected to compete, assuming no extraordinary administrative changes:
- Returning Teams (16):
- Remo Stars FC (2024/25 champions)
- Rivers United FC (2nd place, CAF Champions League qualifiers)
- Abia Warriors FC (3rd place, CAF Confederation Cup qualifiers)
- Ikorodu City FC (4th place, CAF Confederation Cup qualifiers)
- Enugu Rangers IFC (defending champions from 2023/24)
- Enyimba Aba (record nine-time champions)
- Plateau United FC
- Kano Pillars
- Kwara United FC
- Niger Tornadoes
- Bendel Insurance
- Akwa United
- Nasarawa United
- Katsina United FC
- El-Kanemi Warriors
- FC Heartland
- Promoted Teams (4):
The exact promoted teams from the NNL for 2025/26 are not yet confirmed, as the NNL playoffs typically conclude closer to the season’s start. However, based on historical trends, strong NNL performers like Beyond Limits, Madiba FC, or other relegated teams from prior seasons (e.g., Doma United, Sporting Lagos) could secure promotion. For this analysis, we assume four competitive NNL teams will join, bringing fresh challenges. - Relegated Teams (2024/25):
Sunshine Stars and Lobi Stars were confirmed relegated, with two additional spots undecided at the time of the 2024/25 season’s penultimate matchday. Teams like Akwa United, Heartland, El-Kanemi Warriors, Katsina United, and Niger Tornadoes were at risk, but their survival depends on the final matchday. For simplicity, we assume the 16 listed teams above avoided relegation.
This lineup suggests a competitive field, with established giants like Enyimba and Enugu Rangers, continental qualifiers like Rivers United and Abia Warriors, and ambitious newcomers from the NNL.
Remo Stars’ 2025/26 Season Compared to 2024/25
The 2024/25 season was a breakthrough for Remo Stars, defined by consistency, defensive solidity, and clutch performances. They secured 22 wins, 5 draws, and 11 losses, amassing 71 points, just shy of the second-highest points total in NPFL history (Dolphins’ 73 points in 2010/11). Their home form was exceptional, remaining unbeaten at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, with five consecutive clean sheets before their title-clinching match against Niger Tornadoes. Key players like Sikiru Alimi, Ibrahim Shuaib, Babatunde Bello, and Olamilekan Adedayo, combined with coach Daniel Ogunmodede’s “Ijaball” philosophy, drove their success. The club’s youth academy, Beyond Limits, also played a pivotal role, with talents like 19-year-old defender Ahmed Akinyele emerging as starters.
In contrast, the 2025/26 season will present new challenges:
- Increased Expectations: As defending champions, Remo Stars will face heightened pressure. Opponents will study their tactics, targeting their unbeaten home record and key players. The psychological burden of defending a title could test their resilience, as Ogunmodede noted nerves affected the team during their title-clinching match against Niger Tornadoes.
- Continental Commitments: Remo Stars will compete in the 2025/26 CAF Champions League, a significant step up from their previous continental outings, where they failed to progress beyond the first round. Balancing NPFL and CAF schedules will strain their squad depth, especially with travel across Africa and potential injuries.
- Player Retention and Recruitment: The NPFL’s competitive nature means top performers like Alimi and Adedayo could attract interest from foreign clubs or richer African sides. Retaining their core squad while integrating new talent will be crucial. The club’s history of nurturing academy players mitigates this risk, but losing key starters could disrupt team chemistry.
- Stronger Competition: Rivers United, Abia Warriors, and Ikorodu City, who qualified for CAF competitions, will likely strengthen their squads. Enyimba and Enugu Rangers, perennial contenders, will aim to reclaim the title. Promoted NNL teams, often unpredictable, could upset the hierarchy, as Ikorodu City did in 2024/25 by finishing fourth.
Overall, the 2025/26 season will be more demanding. Remo Stars’ ability to replicate their 2024/25 consistency will hinge on squad management, tactical adaptability, and handling dual competitions.
Can Remo Stars Defend Their Title?
Defending the NPFL title is a formidable task, as only Enyimba (2002–2005, 2007) has managed consecutive titles in recent decades. Several factors will determine Remo Stars’ chances:
Strengths Supporting a Title Defense
- Tactical Identity: Daniel Ogunmodede’s “Ijaball” philosophy, emphasizing defensive discipline and tactical substitutions, proved effective in 2024/25. His experience with the Super Eagles’ CHAN team enhances his ability to adapt to high-stakes matches.
- Youth Pipeline: The Beyond Limits academy ensures a steady supply of talent. Players like Ahmed Akinyele demonstrate the club’s ability to integrate young stars, reducing reliance on expensive transfers.
- Home Fortress: Remo Stars’ unbeaten home record in 2024/25 (19 goals scored, 4 conceded at home before Matchday 37) makes Ikenne a daunting venue. Maintaining this form will be key.
- Organizational Stability: Founded by Kunle Soname, Remo Stars operates with a professional structure rare in the NPFL. Their privately owned stadium and business-oriented approach provide financial and logistical advantages.
Challenges to Overcome
- CAF Champions League Demands: Past NPFL champions, including Remo Stars, have struggled in continental competitions, often exiting early. The physical and mental toll of CAF matches could lead to fatigue and dropped points in the NPFL.
- Rivals’ Ambition: Enyimba and Enugu Rangers, with their historical pedigree, will be motivated to dethrone Remo Stars. Rivers United’s 61 points and Abia Warriors’ 60 points in 2024/25 show their competitiveness. Ikorodu City’s emergence as a top-four side adds another threat.
- Player Turnover: The NPFL’s transfer market is volatile, with top talents often moving abroad. Losing players like Sikiru Alimi, a Super Eagles invitee, could weaken their attack.
- Promoted Teams’ Impact: NNL teams can disrupt the league, as Ikorodu City did in 2024/25. Underestimating newcomers could cost Remo Stars crucial points.
Prediction
Remo Stars have a strong foundation to defend their title, but the odds are slightly against a repeat due to the NPFL’s competitiveness and their CAF commitments. A realistic prediction is a top-three finish, with a 40% chance of retaining the title if they manage their squad effectively and avoid major injuries. Their success will depend on leveraging their home form and youth system while addressing continental challenges.
Possible Strategies for the 2025/26 Season
To maximize their chances of defending the title, Remo Stars can adopt the following strategies:
- Squad Depth and Rotation:
- Action: Sign versatile players to bolster squad depth, focusing on midfield and attacking options to cover for potential injuries or transfers. Rotate starters during less critical NPFL matches to preserve energy for CAF games.
- Rationale: A deeper squad mitigates fatigue from a congested schedule. Ogunmodede’s tactical substitutions were key in 2024/25, and a broader bench will enhance this flexibility.
- Strengthen Defensive Resilience:
- Action: Retain key defenders like Ahmed Akinyele and recruit experienced center-backs to maintain their low concession rate (4 goals at home in 2024/25). Intensify defensive drills to counter high-pressing opponents.
- Rationale: Their defensive discipline was a cornerstone of their title win. A solid backline will be crucial against stronger CAF and NPFL attacks.
- Enhance Continental Preparation:
- Action: Schedule pre-season friendlies against African clubs to acclimate to CAF Champions League intensity. Hire a specialist coach for set-piece defending, an area where Nigerian clubs often struggle continentally.
- Rationale: Remo Stars’ early exits in past CAF competitions highlight the need for better preparation. Success in the Champions League could boost morale and NPFL performance.
- Leverage Academy Talent:
- Action: Promote 2–3 academy players to the first team, integrating them gradually in cup matches or as substitutes. Offer long-term contracts to talents like Akinyele to deter poaching.
- Rationale: The Beyond Limits academy was a 2024/25 strength. Continuing to trust youth reduces costs and maintains team identity.
- Fan Engagement and Home Advantage:
- Action: Expand fan initiatives like the 2024/25 carnival atmosphere (free refreshments, giveaways) to boost attendance. Upgrade stadium facilities to intimidate opponents.
- Rationale: The electric Ikenne atmosphere contributed to their unbeaten home run. Strong fan support can unsettle rivals and inspire players.
- Scout and Neutralize Rivals:
- Action: Analyze playing styles of Enyimba, Rivers United, and emerging teams like Ikorodu City. Develop counter-tactics, such as exploiting Enyimba’s reliance on star strikers or Rivers United’s away inconsistencies.
- Rationale: Ogunmodede’s tactical acumen confused opponents in 2024/25. Proactive scouting will keep Remo Stars one step ahead.
Conclusion
Remo Stars’ 2024/25 NPFL triumph was a testament to their vision, youth development, and tactical prowess under Daniel Ogunmodede. The 2025/26 season will test their ability to sustain this success amid continental commitments and fierce domestic competition. While defending the title is achievable, it will require strategic squad management, enhanced continental preparation, and continued reliance on their academy. By adopting the proposed strategies, building squad depth, strengthening defense, and leveraging their home fortress, Remo Stars can position themselves as serious contenders. Whether they lift the trophy again or not, their journey will further cement their status as a model for professionalism in Nigerian football.
