Heartland FC’s technical manager Emmanuel Amuneke has praised Remo Stars for their historic Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title win, asserting that private clubs can rise to the summit of Nigerian football with careful planning and purposeful leadership.
The Sky Blue Stars clinched their maiden league title in emphatic fashion, sealing the 2024/2025 NPFL championship with three games to spare.
Their triumph marks a significant shift in a league long dominated by government-funded clubs since the early 2000s.
In a departure from the era when privately owned teams such as Iwuanyanwu Nationale and Leventis United thrived, Remo Stars’ success signals a potential new chapter for private entities in the domestic game.
The club’s success has been driven by its owner, Otunba Kunle Soname, whose strategic investment and long-term vision have earned widespread acclaim.
Speaking after their league triumph, Amuneke – a former Nigeria international and the 1994 African Footballer of the Year – commended the Ogun-based side for their landmark achievement.
“I extend my sincere congratulations to them and, on behalf of the management, players, and coaches of Heartland FC, I urge them to build on the current success to aim high in the CAF Champions League and other competitions,” said Amuneke in a heartfelt message.
He went on to urge the team, under the stewardship of head coach Daniel Ogunmodede, to strengthen their squad ahead of their debut in the 2025/2026 CAF Champions League.
For Amuneke, Remo Stars’ victory should be more than just a domestic milestone—it should serve as a platform to challenge on the continental stage.
“This success is unprecedented and will be remembered,” he said. “Remo Stars have challenged other private clubs, proving that success is possible with proper planning and determined leadership, as demonstrated by Hon. Kunle Soname with Remo Stars.”
Amuneke’s remarks reflect a growing optimism that the resurgence of privately run clubs could revitalise Nigerian football, fostering more competitive balance and sustainable growth.
As Remo Stars prepare for life beyond the NPFL, their next test will be to carry this momentum into Africa’s elite club competition.
Their story is already inspiring fresh conversations about what is possible in the NPFL—and what the future could hold for other ambitious, privately managed teams across the country.
