Defending Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions Remo Stars have continued their dramatic decline in the 2025/26 season, sinking deeper into the relegation zone following a 2–1 defeat to Plateau United on Monday.
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The loss, played on February 2, marked Remo Stars’ 14th defeat of the campaign and left the Sky Blue Stars rooted in 18th position on the NPFL table with just 26 points from 24 matches.
It represents a stunning contrast to their historic title-winning season barely nine months ago, when they amassed 71 points to finish as champions.
Sharp Contrast to Title-Winning Campaign
Last season, Remo Stars dominated the league, suffering only nine losses across the entire campaign.
This term, however, they have already eclipsed that number with 14 defeats despite still having 14 matches left to play.
Their struggles are further highlighted by defensive frailty, having conceded 30 goals so far, while scoring just 22.
Factors Behind the Decline
Several issues have been identified as contributing to the club’s downturn:
Squad Overhaul
Reports suggest that up to 80–90 per cent of the title-winning squad departed during the off-season, with key players sold or moving abroad.
The replacements brought in have struggled to replicate the quality and cohesion of the previous team.
Split Coaching Staff Commitments
Head coach Daniel Ogunmodede’s dual role with the Super Eagles has also come under scrutiny.
His split duties with the national team have led to periods away from the club, with critics arguing that it has affected tactical continuity and overall team discipline.
Loss of Home Advantage
Remo Stars were sanctioned by the NPFL following crowd trouble earlier in the season, forcing them to play home matches away from their base in Ikenne.
Neutral-venue fixtures in Ibadan and Abeokuta have diminished the strong home advantage that was central to their title success.
Continental Hangover:
The club’s early elimination from the CAF Champions League by Moroccan side ASFAR is also believed to have disrupted their rhythm and confidence domestically.
Fight for Survival
With 14 games remaining in the season, Remo Stars now face a stern battle to avoid relegation.
Once hailed as a model of consistency and planning in Nigerian football, the champions-turned-strugglers must quickly rediscover form and stability if they are to preserve their NPFL status.
The coming weeks will be crucial as the Sky Blue Stars attempt to halt their slide and mount an unlikely survival push.
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