Defending Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions Remo Stars earned a crucial 1–0 home victory against Ikorodu City at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, thanks to a second-half goal from Haruna Hadi.
After a tightly contested first half that produced few clear opportunities, Remo Stars broke the deadlock early in the second period. Hadi displayed composure and precision to fire the hosts ahead in the 47th minute, sparking celebrations among the home supporters.
The match was significant as Remo Stars returned to their home ground in Ikenne after playing several fixtures away due to rehabilitation work at their stadium. The familiar surroundings appeared to inspire a more confident performance, especially in the second half.
Ikorodu City responded by increasing their attacking intent as the game progressed, pushing players forward in search of an equaliser. By the 77th minute, the visitors were applying consistent pressure, but Remo Stars’ defence stood firm to protect their narrow lead.
Despite late efforts from the guests, Remo held on to secure three valuable points, a result that could be pivotal as the season evolves. The win provides a morale boost for the defending champions, who are striving to climb the league table and stabilise their campaign.
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In the often unforgiving terrain of the Nigeria Premier Football League, victories like Remo Stars’ narrow 1–0 triumph over Ikorodu City are more than mere statistics they are psychological currency. In a season where the momentum shifts with each passing week and the league’s unforgiving structure punishes complacency, the ability to seize key moments defines whether a campaign flounders or flourishes.
Haruna Hadi’s match-winning strike, delivered with calm precision just after the break, was more than a goal — it was a declaration of intent. For champions, the expectation is perennial excellence yet, in the ebb and flow of a long season, consistency becomes a rare commodity. On this day in Ikenne, Remo Stars reclaimed a sense of purpose in front of their own supporters, returning to a home ground that had been absent from their recent fixtures due to renovation work. Familiar turf can often act as a psychological anchor, and that seemed to be the case here, where the crowd’s return appeared to energise the Sky Blue Stars into a more assured second-half showing.
Football is a game of fine margins, particularly at this level. Ikorodu City, dangerous and purposeful throughout much of the campaign, came close to breaking Remo’s resolve. Their sustained pressure in the latter stages was testament to their ambition — a reminder that deserving sides can sometimes walk away empty-handed. Yet, the mettle of a team chasing stability lies in its capacity to withstand adversity, to defend with discipline when the stakes are highest.
For Remo Stars, this result represents more than three points. It is a subtle shift in narrative — a reclamation of confidence that could prove decisive as the season unfolds. In a league where collective belief and mental fortitude are as valuable as tactical acumen, securing a win in such conditions speaks to a squad gradually rediscovering its rhythm. For the supporters, it offers reassurance for the team, a platform on which to build resilience and resurgence.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Remo Stars are the defending NPFL champions, having won their first league title in the 2024–25 season.
- The 2025–26 NPFL season marks the 36th since the league attained professionalism and Remo Stars began the campaign looking to defend their crown.
- Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne has a modest capacity of around 5,000 fans, providing an intimate and energetic home atmosphere.
- Remo Stars and Ikorodu City were involved in peace talks convened by the NPFL earlier in January, aiming to address growing tensions between the two clubs before their league clash.
- Haruna Hadi’s goal came in the 47th minute, shortly after the restart, highlighting the impact of quick starts in the second half in tight NPFL matches.
