NPFL giants, Remo Stars, Rivers United kickoff 2025 season

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) returns for its 54th season, and the curtain-raiser could not have been more fitting as reigning champions Remo Stars square up against last season’s runners-up Rivers United. The much-anticipated clash takes place today at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, a venue Remo Stars have adopted temporarily while […]

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) returns for its 54th season, and the curtain-raiser could not have been more fitting as reigning champions Remo Stars square up against last season’s runners-up Rivers United.

The much-anticipated clash takes place today at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, a venue Remo Stars have adopted temporarily while renovation works continue at their Ikenne Stadium — the ground where they famously secured their maiden NPFL title last term.

Remo Stars, nicknamed the “Sky Blue Stars”, head into the new campaign brimming with confidence after back-to-back near misses in the two seasons prior to their triumph.

Coach Daniel Ogunmodede will be keen to prove that last season’s title run was no fluke. To strengthen his squad, he has recruited notable additions including Victor Mbaoma, making his third spell at the club, experienced Malian duo Chaka Coulibaly and Adama Goita, goalkeeper Kolimba Alladoum, and versatile defender Chigozie Chilekwu.

On the other side, Rivers United are determined to wrestle the crown back to Port Harcourt after falling off the pace last season. At one point, they trailed the champions by as many as 10 points, and coach Finidi George has wasted no time reshaping his squad for another title charge.

New signings include goalkeepers Ani Ozoemena and John Noble, alongside Nsi Effimi, Rivio Ayemwenre, Anthony Omaka, Seyi Oguntayo, Chinedu Sunday, and Isaac Annor.

The technical bench has also been reinforced with the arrival of Yemi Olanrewaju as Finidi’s assistant, signaling the club’s renewed hunger for success.

 

Head-to-Head: A rivalry reignited

Despite Remo Stars’ historic title win last season, Rivers United hold the upper hand in recent meetings. They took four points off the champions last term and have lost only once in their last 11 NPFL encounters.

The Port Harcourt giants also have a tradition of fast starts, having gone unbeaten in opening-day fixtures for 12 straight seasons since 2013.

In fact, they have twice beaten Remo Stars in opening matches — a 2-0 win in the 2013/14 campaign and a 1-0 victory in 2019.

Remo Stars, however, have also built a reputation for solid starts, winning three of their last four-season openers, with the lone blemish coming against Rivers United in Port Harcourt.