Just over 100 days after their maiden league triumph, Remo Stars return to the spotlight, ready to embark on a fresh campaign as defending champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League in the 2025/26 campaign. The Sky Blue Stars now carry the weight of expectation as they set out to protect the crown they so proudly claimed.
The season curtain raiser vs. last season’s runners-up, Rivers United, at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta, on Friday, will set the ball rolling for what should be an exciting campaign. The Sky Blue Stars have temporarily shifted base from their Ikenne home ground due to ongoing renovation works at the stadium.
The new league season may be set to kick off as scheduled, but questions remain over its promotion, broadcast arrangements, and overall visibility. Despite the lingering concerns, anticipation among supporters continues to build as they look forward to the return of top-flight action.
Off the pitch, Remo Stars have been strengthening the squad ahead of a fourth successive season on the continent, and they have a tough draw to navigate if they are to make it to the group stages for the first time in their history. It is the first time they will be finding themselves in this situation of title defence, but they have a capable manager in Daniel Ogunmodede to lead them once again.
Rivers United, who missed out on the title last term, have made some additions to their squad during the offseason as well. Notably, the Pride of Rivers added Former Enyimba head coach, Yemi Olanrewaju, to their technical bench. He was Finidi George’s first assistant when they won the league at Enyimba in 2023. CHAN goalkeeper Ani Ozoemena, former Super Eagles shot-stopper John Noble, and talented midfielder Wasiu Falolu (Crown FC) are some of the new additions to their squad.
Last season’s third-placed Abia Warriors had to fight off Kano Pillars to keep Imama Amapakabo at the club, as they plan to play on the continent for the first time in their history. In terms of the additions to the club, the Umuahia-based club have gone ahead to raid Enyimba with the acquisition of Somiari Alalibo, Imo Obot, Fatai Abdullahi, and many more.
Ikorodu City – the biggest surprise packages in the NPFL last term – enter their second season in the topflight with changes on and off the pitch. Erstwhile head coach Nurudeen Aweroro moved to Shooting Stars, and several key players like Leonard Ngenge, Chibuike Ohagbulam, and Salau Yusuf have departed the club. Meanwhile, former head coach Bright Ozegbagbei makes a return to the club and will work alongside Lebanese Ali Kandil.
New look Shooting Stars, Plateau United, and Kano Pillars will hope that their giant strides off the pitch under new management will spur them to excellent results in the new campaign. The Oluyole Warriors will be led in the dugout by Nurudeen Aweroro, who was the mastermind behind Ikorodu City’s run in the league last term.
As for Plateau United, they have also named former Sporting Lagos head coach, Shola Adegun, as their head coach in the new era. Meanwhile, Ahmed Musa, who was named Kano Pillars’ General manager some months back, will combine that with his role as player and skipper of the side in the new season.
Former league champions Enyimba have lost several key players after failing to make it to the continent last season. After replacing Yemi Olanrewaju before the end of last year, Stanley Eguma will lead the nine-time champions from the start as they hope to bounce back with their newly assembled squad. Similarly, Bendel Insurance also enter the new season with a nearly new squad. The Benin Arsenals will be keen to build on last season’s strong finish (5th on the log) in the new campaign.
Relegation survivors from last season – Katsina United and Elkanemi Warriors – have been up and doing in the transfer window as they hope to finish in respectable positions. Kabiru Dogo, who managed Nasarawa United at some point last term, has made the switch to Elkanemi after the departure of Aliyu Zubairu. Meanwhile, Mbwas Mangut has replaced Salisu Yusuf at Nasarawa United.
Newcomers – Barau FC and Kun Khalifat – have been active in the market, and it remains to be seen if they will retain their status at the end of the season. Notably, Abdul Makaiba and his Wikki Tourists side are back in the elite division, as well as Warri Wolves, to complete the cast of newly promoted teams for the season.
Other mentions: Federation Cup champions Kwara United have added former junior international Aliu Salawudeen to their roster, while Rangers International have been blasting through the offseason with their unveiling videos, and it remains to be seen if the 2024 champions can stage a title challenge.
The new season is set to deliver plenty of excitement, with thrills and drama anticipated at every venue.
MATCHDAY 1 FIXTURES
Friday, August 22, 2025
Remo Stars v Rivers United
Sunday, August 24, 2025
Abia Warriors v Kano Pillars
Wikki Tourists v Plateau United
Katsina United v Warri Wolves
Rangers v Kun Khalifat FC
Elkanemi v Bendel Insurance
Shooting Stars v Bayelsa United
Barau FC v Enyimba
Niger Tornadoes v Nasarawa United
Kwara United v Ikorodu City
