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By Ojeikere Aikhoje
Top of the table Remo Stars look good for an early coronation party in the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League this evening in Ikenne if they defeat Niger Tornadoes.
The failure of second placed Rivers United to claim at least a point in last Friday’s visit to Kano Pillars has opened the way for the Ikenne side to win their first ever Nigerian title.
On two occasions, the Daniel Ogunmodede led side came close but lost the title in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 NPFL seasons.
Interestingly, Ogunmodede’s side has turned out as the best team in the NPFL this season and have maintained their lead since the interval.
Inspiration
Only the duo of Ifeanyi Anaemena and Fabien Nworie have won the title which makes the entire squad hungry for success.
Benin Republic national team goalkeeper, Serge Obassa, is expected in goal for this crucial clash.
Obassa, who is in his first season in he NPFL has done well in goal for the Ikenne side.
Perennial campaigners like Sikiru Alimi and skipper Nduka Junior as well as Ismail Sodiq, all look forward to tasting league success.
Expect the trio of Hadi Haruna, Ahmed Akinyele and Olamilekan Adedayo to step out with renewed determination to finish the task at home.
Ibrahim Shuaib will up against his former teammates as he looks to taste league success for the first time too.
Niger Tornadoes’ resistance
Victory will not come easy for Remo Stars who come against one of the strong teams in the league.
Indeed, all eyes will be on Niger Tornadoes, who are expected to turn up determined to delay the victory party.
Tornadoes will play without Nigerian International, Papa Mustapha, but have Sabiu Ibrahim, who didn’t make the Under 20 squad to the African Cup of Nations, in Egypt.
Kick Off is 5:30pm as both sides display the best of soccer artistry under floodlights.
First Title
Despite the resistance from the visitors, many expect Remo Stars backed by a partisan home crowd to win the clash and begin the victory party this night.
If Remo defeats Tornadoes, then it will be the first time since 2000 that a privately owned will win the Nigerian title.
It will also be the first time that a team owned by an individual will win since Udoji United won the 1996 title.
On a day, he is celebrating his birthday, this will be the perfect birthday present for club president, Kunle Soname.
