By Nurudeen Obalola
Remo Stars won the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title for the first time on Sunday after defeating Niger Tornadoes 1-0 in Ikenne-Remo.
The new champions were made to work hard for the victory, the visitors holding on until six minutes from the end of regulation time when substitute Olamikekan Adedayo struck home from distance.
The victory took Remo Stars’ points tally to 68, ten more than second-placed Rivers United with three rounds of matches left.
The triumph finally broke the title jinx for Remo Stars, who finished second in each of the last two NPFL seasons.
Upon the final whistle, Remo Stars, one of only two privately-owned clubs in the NPFL along with Ikorodu City, celebrated on social media, tweeting: “CHAMPIONS AT LAST! Patience, passion, persistence. 15 years of waiting, one moment of glory.
“Tonight, the stars don’t just shine — they reign. REMO STARS — Champions of Nigeria.”
In other NPFL fixtures earlier on Sunday, Abia Warriors tightened their grip on third spot with a 3-1 win over Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), who slipped to 11th, as fourth-placed Ikorodu City were beaten 2-1 in Uyo by Akwa United in 18th.
Deposed champions Enugu Rangers slipped to eighth after losing 2-1 at home to Enyimba, who climbed to fifth, while Plateau United edged past Bendel Insurance 2-1.
RESULTS
Nasarawa United 1-0 Heartland
Plateau United 2-1 Bendel Insurance
Kwara United 4-0 Lobi Stars
Rangers 1-2 Enyimba
Sunshine Stars 2-0 Katsina United
Abia Warriors 3-1 3SC
Bayelsa United 2-1 El-Kanemi
Akwa United 2-1 Ikorodu City
Remo Stars 1-0 Tornadoes
