Remo Stars the Ikenne based team in the Nigeria Professional Football League has surprised many football pundits and fans as she picked the continental ticket in debut in the league since foundation of the club twelve years ago.
The Nigeria side are noted for it structural organization and adoption of certain European standard, thanks to the president of the team Kunle Soname.
As a new side to the Nigeria elite division the NPFL, the sky blue stars at the early half of the season were tip for the chase of the title, as they Ikenne based side were known for it high pressing football with technicality.
It high organizational practices in terms of infrastructures as partain to pitch quality, training facility, as well as welfarism - Managerial and players welfare etc is one of top best in the Nigeria Leagues. These standardization were translated on the pitch for the newly promoted side.
Remo Stars NPFL Success, a Surprise
In an interview with the press, Remo Stars FC and Flying Eagles’ Toluope Ojo says it was a surprise for Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) followers and fans alike to see Remo Stars pick CAF Continental ticket.
The Sky Blue Stars as also called defeated northern side Niger Tornadoes 3-0 in the final game of the 2021/2022 NPFL season to finish in the third position in the table and qualify for the 2022/2023 CAF Confederation Cup.
Tolulope Ojo Press Comments
“I feel great because nobody expected us to gain a continental ticket. They believed that we were having an initial rise at the beginning of the season and that we will still go down. Here we are in the continent come next season.
“Doing well for the Flying Eagles and Remo Stars this year was an amazing experience that I didn’t expect. I believed that I was too young but when the coach gave me the confidence that I can do it, I gradually adapted to the team. Thank God for where we are.”
He told sports journalists after his club's victory on the 17th Sunday.
Flying Eagles Tolulope Ojo asserted that it was not a smooth ride and easy season as the team had to face lots of hurdles and challenges before clinching the African continental ticket.
Northern Clubs Radical Experience
According to him, he said: “The season hasn’t been an easy one because of what we encountered playing Northern clubs where referees are being beaten and playing over 100 minutes instead of 90 minutes. It was something that we didn’t expect at the beginning of the season".
Southern Nigeria club side Rivers United won the NPFL title and will represent Nigeria at the CAF Champions League alongside second-placed Plateau United (middle belt).
Remo Stars finished in the third position and have qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup for next season challenge.
The second CAF Confederation Cup representatives will be determined after the end of the 2022 Aiteo Cup (Nigeria FA cup)