FIFA President Gianni Infantino has extended his congratulations to Remo Stars following their historic triumph in the Nigeria Premier Football League, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
In an official dated May 21 and addressed to Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Gusau, Infantino praised Remo Stars for winning their first-ever NPFL crown, describing the club’s title-winning campaign as a product of consistency over the season.
“By means of this letter, I am pleased to congratulate the new champions of Nigeria, Remo Stars FC,” Infantino wrote.
“Their constant efforts and results throughout the season have paid off, resulting in this important title. Congratulations to each and every member of the team and of the club for this great achievement.”
The FIFA President also commended the NFF for its continued support for football development in the country, expressing optimism about future engagements.
“While thanking you and your Federation for your continuous support, work, and dedication for the development of football in your country, I look forward, dear President, to seeing you again soon,” Infantino added.
Remo Stars sealed the 2024/25 NPFL title with three matches to spare after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes on matchday 35 in Ikenne when Olamilekan Adedayo’s late strike secured the club’s 21st win of the season, giving them an unassailable ten-point lead at the top of the table.
The triumph saw the Sky Blue Stars becoming the first club from the southwest to win the league since Julius Berger lifted the trophy in 2000. It also signalled the rise of privately owned clubs, with Remo Stars emerging as Nigeria’s first private league champions since Ocean Boys’ success in 2006.
Tributes have also poured in from across the football world. Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu hailed the achievement as a reflection of the club’s discipline and resilience, while Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen rewarded the team with a N10m gift. CAF, governors, rival clubs and prominent stakeholders all lauded the title win as a watershed moment for Nigerian football.
Founded by Kunle Soname, Remo Stars’ success has been widely viewed as a validation of long-term investment in grassroots development. With a ticket to next season’s CAF Champions League already secured, expectations are high that the Ikenne-based club will represent the nation with pride on the continental stage.
Having been crowned champions officially in their penultimate home match against Ikorodu City, the Daniel Ogunmodede boys will be concluding their celebratory lap in Yenagoa in the final fixture of the season on Sunday.
