Remo Stars SC, the reigning champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League, are enduring a season few could have predicted. Once admired for defensive solidity and a clear pathway for young talent, the Sky Blue Stars now sit among the league’s most porous sides, having conceded more goals than any other team so far.
For a club built on structure, patience and ambition, this campaign has felt chaotic. Foreign imports have largely underperformed, while players who looked outstanding one or two seasons ago now appear ordinary. More puzzling is the limited promotion of talents from the highly rated Beyond Limits FA academy, long considered the backbone of Remo Stars’ long-term vision. For all the talk of progress, something at Ikenne feels out of sync.
Yet, all is not lost. Beneath the poor results lies a squad with genuine quality, and there remains a strong belief that a turnaround is possible. A Top Five finish is still achievable if form improves quickly.
Tactically, Remo Stars have lacked consistency, switching formations regularly depending on the opposition. That instability is reflected in the goalkeeping department, where four different goalkeepers have already featured. Serge Obassa, clearly the most reliable option with seven starts, was unavailable for a spell due to international duty with Benin at the AFCON. Emmanuel Olisa, Abiola Sabitu and Alladoum Kolimba have all deputised, but none has matched Obassa’s authority.
At the heart of defence, the youthful pairing of Ahmed Akinyele and Stanley Joseph offers promise but little cohesion. Individually, both are highly rated, yet their partnership has not delivered. Veteran Franklin Ebuka Anthony remains a dependable alternative, while Leonard Ngenge is a talented youngster expected to challenge for more minutes as the season progresses.
The wing-back positions are occupied by experienced heads. Chigozie Chilekwu on the left and Abubakar Ibrahim Babawo on the right are solid performers, but questions remain about the club’s level of ambition in these areas. New signing Olalekan Adeleke, recruited from Crown FC, has shown flashes of potential at right-back, while Segun Owoade provides depth on the left after spells with Inter Lagos FC and Abray Sports FC.
In midfield, Chaka Coulibaly has been steady in a holding role, while Sodiq Oshidero has impressed since arriving from Sporting Lagos. Olamilekan Adedayo, the team’s chief playmaker, has not hit the heights of last season and has been unusually quiet. With nearly 150 NPFL appearances to his name, this could be the moment for him to seek a new challenge.
Alex Oyowah remains one of the most intriguing talents in the squad. Elegant and technically gifted, the attacking midfielder has huge potential, though it is unclear whether Remo Stars is the ideal environment for his development. Michael Okoro Ibe continues to offer experience and versatility across midfield, while Haruna Hadi is often deployed from the bench to add creativity.
Up front, Victor Mbaoma stands apart. The seasoned striker has scored eight goals in just 12 starts, underlining his importance to the team. Samuel Anakwe, Adama Goita and the powerful Samson Olasupo provide alternatives, but none offers Mbaoma’s consistency in front of goal.
Remo Stars SC may be having a dreadful title defence, but the season is far from over. With the right decisions and a return to the club’s core principles, the champions can still rescue pride and position themselves among the league’s elite once again.
Top scorers: Victor Mbaoma 8, Abubakar Ibrahim Babawo 2, Michael Okoro Ibe 2, Samson Olasupo 2.
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