AFCON 2025
The handwriting had been on the wall long enough for everyone to see as Remo Stars’ poor run of form continued until match day 27.
Following a remarkable and historic title-winning season, the Sky Blue Stars became a shadow of themselves in the 2025/2026 season.
Former Enyimba coach Usman Ab’dallah was hired to help brighten up the dark cloud hovering around the Ikenne-based club with 11 matches to the end of the season.
Unfortunately, the mission failed on the final day of the season as Remo Stars failed to secure a win at Bendel Insurance.
It’s the first time in recent memory that an NPFL defending champion suffers relegation after winning the league the previous season.
Below are three reasons why Remo Stars dropped to the NNL.
- Exit of Key Players and Poor Recruitment
Te departure of several vital players from the title-winning campaign — such as team captain, Nduka Junior, Tochukwu Michael, Sodiq Ismail, Seun Ogunribide, and Sikiru Alimi — created significant gaps in the squad. Compounding this issue, Remo Stars failed to adequately replace them with quality and experienced signings even though the club made some acquisitions within the league and neighbouring countries. The poor recruitment left the team lacking sufficient depth and quality, which negatively affected their performances throughout the season in the league.
- Disastrous Away Form
Remo Stars were terrible away from home. The Sky Blue Stars lost 16 matches on the road winning just one and two draws. This poor form on the road contributed to their fate immensely.
- Managerial uncertainty and change afterwards
While Remo Stars were struggling in the early part of the season, their title-winning coach Daniel Ogunmodede was away with the Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations. Ogunmodede went ahead to purse further coaching education after the tournament leaving his position with uncertainty.
Daniel Ogunmodede ‘s post on X on January 24th indicated that he had left the club. Ogunmodede’s influence on the team was unmatched and had to replicate in the short while Usman Ab’dallah took charge.
