Remo Stars, the reigning NPFL champions, came from behind to beat newly promoted Kun Khalifat 2-1 in a delayed Matchday 2 fixture played at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba.
The hosts drew first blood when Henry Ezeonye converted a penalty in the 16th minute it was Kun Khalifat’s first-ever goal in Nigeria’s top flight.
But Remo Stars rallied in the second half, with Ibrahim Abubakar slotting home around the 68th minute before substitute Samson Olasupo struck in the 78th to secure the visitors’ first victory of the season.
Editorial
We sense the air of a championship side rediscovering its composure. Remo Stars arrived in Aba perhaps a touch unsettled by the sluggish start, yet their reaction showed why they remain the team to watch.
We appreciate the resilience responding to an early setback, they gradually imposed structure and belief. Abubakar’s header didn’t just level the score; it shifted the momentum back in their favour. And Olasupo’s later strike underlined their intent to win, not settle.
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We also reflect on Kun Khalifat’s spirited response. Scoring their first NPFL goal so early in the game must have felt like a harbinger of success. However, the inability to maintain the lead highlights the gaps that new teams must quickly address particularly in managing pressure and closing out moments under fire.
We believe this result won’t merely be another match; it is a barometer. For Remo Stars, it reaffirms their championship mentality bounce back or spiral. For Kun Khalifat, it lays bare areas for growth: composure, endurance, and defensive fortitude.
And so we return to our opening thought: in the league’s long marathon, character exhibited in adversity often defines champions and this was a telling first chapter of the season’s narrative.
Did You Know?
1. Kun Khalifat FC, based in Imo State, was founded just in 2020 and earned promotion to the NPFL in 2025, making them one of the newest additions to Nigeria’s top tier.
2. Rather than playing at their usual Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, Kun Khalifat hosted this match at Enyimba International Stadium in Aba, highlighting logistical adaptations often required of newly promoted sides.
3. Remo Stars made history in April 2025, becoming the first South-West club to win the NPFL title since 2000, when they clinched the championship with three games to spare.
4. Head coach Daniel Ogunmodede, who guided Remo Stars to that title, employs a tactical philosophy known as “Ijaball”, which blends proactive possession play with structured resilience.
5. This season marks a fresh expansion: the NPFL now features 20 teams, including newcomers like Kun Khalifat, Warri Wolves, Wikki Tourists, and Barau—reflecting efforts to broaden representation across the league.
