Fresh Ground, Same Worries as Remo Stars Stumble Again
Remo Stars’ search for stability in the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League continued to falter on Sunday as they were forced to settle for a 1–1 draw against bottom-placed Kun Khalifat in Ibadan.
The Sky Blue Stars arrived at the Lekan Salami Stadium hoping a change of venue would spark a turnaround. Playing away from their usual base in Ikenne for the first time after their enforced relocation, the champions were eager to make a statement. Instead, they were handed an early reminder of their struggles.
Just five minutes into the match, Kun Khalifat struck first. Ebetomame Oghenetega took advantage of a loose start from Remo Stars and calmly put the visitors ahead, stunning the home crowd.
The shadow of Remo Stars’ relocation hung heavily over the game. The club had been ordered to complete their home fixtures in Ibadan and fined ₦7 million following crowd trouble involving supporters at a previous match in Ikenne.
Chasing the early setback, Remo Stars took control of the game and piled pressure on their opponents. Chances came and went, but the finishing let them down badly. Victor Mbaoma, Michael Ibe, Haruna Hadi, Albert Korvah and Fabian Nworie all failed to make the most of clear openings, increasing the frustration on the stands.
Relief finally arrived late in the game. In the 78th minute, Ahmed Akinyele stepped up with a powerful long-range effort that brought Remo Stars back on level terms and briefly lifted hopes of a comeback.
However, Kun Khalifat refused to fold. They stayed organised in defence and withstood the late pressure to secure a valuable point away from home, halting Remo’s push for a winner.
For Kun Khalifat, the draw offered some encouragement. Although they remain rooted to the bottom of the table, the point took them to 19, still seven points away from safety.
Remo Stars, the defending champions, remain in trouble. Sitting just two points above the relegation zone, they now turn their attention to matchday 23, where they face a difficult away trip to Warri Wolves in Ozoro, hoping for a response that can revive their fading campaign.
