2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 31: Big fight expected in Ikenne as Enyimba returns to Southwest to face league leaders, Remo Stars

Posted : 26 March 2025

Having rested in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 30 due to the postponement of their match against Lobi Stars of Markurdi in Enugu, the Sky Blue Stars are now gearing up for their next challenge.

Recall that the Sky Blue Stars' two goalkeepers, Kayode Bankole and Obassa Adebiyi, were unavailable as they were both serving with their national teams. Bankole was with the Super Eagles of Nigeria during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, while Obassa, on the other hand, was with the Benin Republic national team.

The Sky Blue Stars only registered two goalkeepers, and according to the rules, they cannot play with only a third-choice goalkeeper, which led to the match being called off.

However, the rest period for Remo Stars FC should serve as a chance to renew their strength for their upcoming clash against nine-time league champions, Enyimba International FC, whose ego has been bruised by a series of disappointing results in the ongoing 2024/2025 NPFL season.

League leaders Remo Stars will aim to solidify their position at the top when they face Enyimba. With the title within reach, Remo Stars will be determined to secure maximum points, while Enyimba will be fighting to maintain their push for a continental spot.

Resigning to fate, the People’s Elephant’s forward, Brown Ideye, believes that league leaders Remo Stars are the favorites to win the NPFL this season.

Remo Stars currently occupy the top position on the league table with 57 points, while Rivers United, in second place, trails by eight points. The Ikenne-based club has finished in second place in the last two seasons.

The Sky Blue Stars have 11 games to navigate before the end of the campaign.

Ideye pointed out that although football is unpredictable, the title is for Daniel Ogunmodede’s side to lose.

The former Super Eagles striker also expressed optimism that Enyimba can secure a continental ticket by the end of the campaign.

"In my opinion, Remo Stars have the best chance of winning the league, but football is unpredictable. The title is theirs to lose,” Ideye told BSN Sports.

“For Enyimba, securing a continental spot is achievable. If we win all our remaining home games and get good results away, I believe we can return to the continent.”

Head to Head

From 2023, Remo Stars and Enyimba International have played a total of 4 matches, with Remo Stars winning 2 and 2 matches ending in draws.

Enyimba International - Remo Stars (10.11.2024) 0:0
Remo Stars - Enyimba International (13.03.2024) 1:0
Enyimba International - Remo Stars (29.11.2023) 0:1
Enyimba International - Remo Stars (03.06.2023) 2:2

2024/2025 NPFL Match Day 31: Big fight expected in Ikenne as Enyimba returns to Southwest to face league leaders, Remo Stars

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