Sports Presenter, CHISOM MBAONU-EZEOKE
When the final whistle blew on the last day of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League season, a new era was born. Remo Stars, the modest but ambitious club from Ikenne, Ogun State, defied expectations to lift the NPFL trophy. Their title triumph did more than just crown a season of hard work and brilliance, it shattered a 25-year trend by becoming the first privately owned club to win the league since the professional era began.
The win sparked conversation across every football circle in Nigeria. Remo Stars didn’t just win matches, they rewrote the narrative. With a model rooted in vision, structure, and long-term planning, they have emerged as a beacon of what is possible when private investment meets professionalism in Nigerian football.
Veteran sports presenter and respected voice in the industry, Chisom Mbaonu-Ezeoke, reflected on the significance of this historic moment. “Honestly, it’s a seismic moment in Nigerian football,” she said. “Remo Stars’ success sends a powerful message, that with proper structure, planning, and vision, privately owned clubs can not only compete but dominate. This win isn’t just for Remo Stars, it’s a victory for ambition, innovation, and private investment in sports.”
As other clubs look to Remo Stars for lessons, Chisom pointed out the core principles behind their rise. “First, professionalism,” she explained. “Remo Stars have been intentional about building a football ecosystem, from their academy to their senior team. They have strong youth development, a clear football philosophy, and a culture of discipline. They also embraced technology, analytics, and modern coaching methods. Other clubs should take notes, success comes from vision and investment, not shortcuts.”
With the league title secured, Remo Stars are now set to fly the Nigerian flag on the continental stage. For Chisom, the path to progress in Africa requires a step-up in several areas. “Competing in Africa is a different thing,” she emphasized. “They need squad depth, experienced players who can handle tough away fixtures, and strategic recruitment. Most importantly, they need mental toughness and international exposure, training tours, quality friendlies, and strong administrative planning. Logistics and travel arrangements must be top-notch. You can’t afford lapses on the continent.”
The success of Remo Stars has reignited debate about the structure of club football in Nigeria, particularly the relevance of government-owned teams. “It’s critical,” Chisom noted. “Most state-owned clubs are at the mercy of government bureaucracy and inconsistent funding. Privatization brings accountability, innovation, and long-term planning. It’s no surprise that Remo Stars, operating free from political interference, have achieved such success. The government should create policies that encourage private investment and slowly phase out direct ownership of clubs.”
She praised the foundational strength behind Remo Stars’ rise, pointing to their base in Ikenne and the role of community engagement. “Massive role,” she affirmed. “Ikenne, their base, has become a football hub. The stadium, training facilities, and even local fan engagement all create an enabling environment. Fans feel like stakeholders, and players have stability. It’s a holistic model, not just about winning matches, but building a culture.”
According to Chisom, this landmark victory could alter the power dynamics in the NPFL. “Other clubs will have no excuse now,” she said confidently. “The age of entitlement based on past glories is gone. This win will pressure both public and private clubs to raise their standards. It’s a new dawn, efficiency, structure, and clear vision will define the next era of Nigerian football.”
She believes Remo Stars must use this momentum wisely in the years ahead. “Consolidation and expansion,” she advised. “They should aim to dominate locally, establish a footprint in CAF competitions, and build a global brand. Investing in marketing, partnerships, and player exports can elevate them further. If they stay consistent, they could become Nigeria’s first truly global club.”
To potential investors, especially young entrepreneurs eyeing the football sector, Chisom had this message: “Don’t be discouraged. Remo Stars have shown that the Nigerian football space has potential. With patience, professionalism, and passion, the rewards, sporting and economic, will come. Invest in the structure, not just the scoreboard.”
On the broader development of the NPFL, she underscored the need for reform and modernization to make the league more attractive. “Transparency is number one,” she said firmly. “Investors want to know their money is protected and used properly. The league must ensure credible governance, proper broadcasting rights, digital visibility, and consistent fixture schedules. We need to package the NPFL as a viable business product, not just a local league.”
For the league to attract foreign players, Chisom stressed that the foundation must be, solid. “It starts with improving player welfare, salaries, facilities, medical care, and security,” she explained. “If the league is stable, well-promoted, and seen as a legitimate platform, foreign players will come. We also need to sell our story, Nigeria is a football nation, and the NPFL should reflect that in its branding and management.”
The role of the media, in her view, is central to elevating the profile of the domestic game. “A huge role,” she said. “Media can create stars, build rivalries, and drive engagement. The NPFL must partner with storytellers, broadcasters, content creators, tell the stories of clubs, fans, legends. When people feel emotionally connected, they watch, attend games, and invest.”
Chisom also lamented the lack of structured youth development in many Nigerian clubs. “Not yet,” she admitted. “Apart from a few like Remo Stars, most clubs don’t have functioning academies or youth development plans. It’s a major gap. Developing young talent not only helps clubs succeed, it feeds the national team and creates a player export economy. We must take grassroots development more seriously.”
As the season closes and a new chapter begins for Remo Stars, their story offers more than just inspiration, it offers a model. One that shows what’s possible when football is treated not as a political tool, but as a serious enterprise. With voices like Chisom Mbaonu Ezeoke continuing to call for reform, support, and private sector engagement, there is renewed hope that Nigerian football is finally on the road to transformation.
