Breaking Down Remo Stars’ Magic Rise to NPFL Dominance

In 2004, business magnate Kunle Soname launched Dender FC with a simple dream to build a platform for young football talents in Ketu, Lagos. It was a humble start, but one driven by a deep passion for the game.

Today, that small idea has blossomed into Remo Stars, champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League, writing a historic chapter in Nigerian football.

From Humble Beginnings to Bright Lights:

Kunle Soname’s vision went far beyond just creating a local team. His ambition was to build a football institution. From establishing a state-of-the-art stadium in Ikenne to setting up a women’s team in 2023, Soname made sure Remo Stars had the structure to last for generations.

Originally called Dender FC, the club earned promotion to Nigeria’s second division in 2010 and played out of the Agege Stadium in Lagos. But a bold move in 2011 saw them relocate to Ikenne, Ogun State, where they rebranded as Remo Stars Sports Club to reflect their Remo roots.

Under the early influence of coach Fatai Osho, Remo Stars developed a fluid, technical style of play nicknamed the Sugar Concept, inspired by Barcelona’s tiki-taka system.

Climbing the Ranks:
Success didn’t come overnight. After battling through Nigeria’s lower leagues, Remo Stars finally broke into the NPFL in 2016, finishing their NNL campaign with a massive ten-point lead and just one defeat all season.

However, the jump to top-flight football was brutal. They were relegated immediately during the 2016-17 season despite a spirited fight. But the Sky Blue Stars never stayed down for long. They bounced back after winning the 2017-18 NNL Super 8 Playoffs in Aba.

Sadly, inconsistency haunted them once more, and they suffered another relegation in the 2018-19 season. It wasn’t until 2021 that Remo Stars found stable footing, returning to the NPFL alongside Shooting Stars, Niger Tornadoes, and Gombe United.

Throughout all the ups and downs, Remo Stars kept building one of the best youth systems in the country under the guidance of Daniel Ogunmodede, who later took charge of the senior team.

Hard Lessons and Near Misses:
For most newly promoted clubs, staying up is the goal. But Remo Stars were different. After bitter second-place finishes in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, they sharpened their ambition to not just survive but conquer.

First, it was a heartbreaking loss to Enyimba International at the 2023 Super 6 in Lagos. Then another disappointment followed behind Rangers International the next season. Each failure made them hungrier.

Club captain Nduka put it simply, “We were so close last season. This time, we believed it was ours to take.”

A Dream Season:
In the 2024-25 campaign, everything clicked. The Sky Blue Stars were relentless, securing huge wins at home and impressive away victories against tough teams like Shooting Stars and Kwara United.

Their defence was rock-solid, conceding just 25 goals, matching Rivers United’s record. In attack, veterans like Sikiru Alimi led the charge, supported by consistent performers such as Adedayo Olamilekan, Kehinde Bankole, Haruna Hadi, Seun Ogunribide, and Samuel Anakwe. Imports like Frank Kwame and Obassa also made crucial impacts.

Their total of 45 goals scored was only second to the free-scoring Ikorodu City side.

Coach Ogunmodede’s Magic Touch:
Daniel Ogunmodede, affectionately called Ijaball, masterminded Remo Stars’ winning formula. His tactics combined beautiful possession football with the ability to grind out tough results when needed.

Ogunmodede knew they could not settle for almost again. He drilled focus, discipline, and belief into the team.

“We are more stable this season. We fight together. We believe together,” he said, summing up the unity that carried them over the line.

Africa Awaits:
Now crowned NPFL champions, Remo Stars have their sights set on the CAF Champions League. With a strong foundation, talented squad, and the painful lessons of past failures, they are ready to represent Nigeria with pride.