Peace Meeting Convened Between Remo Stars and Ikorodu City Ahead of Ikenne Clash
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has officially intervened in the simmering rivalry between Remo Stars and Ikorodu City, summoning both clubs to a high-level peace meeting. In a letter signed by the Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, the league body expressed deep concern over the “growing acrimony” between the two South-West neighbors. The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at the NPFL headquarters in Abuja, aims to douse tensions before the second stanza of the season resumes, ensuring that the spirit of sportsmanship takes center stage over administrative and fan-led hostility.
The Root of the Conflict: A History of Tension
The friction between the “Sky Blue Stars” and the “Oga Boys” is not a new phenomenon. While the clubs are geographically close, their relationship has been strained by several on-field and off-field incidents:
- The 2024 Assault Case: Tensions peaked in December 2024 when Remo Stars’ assistant coach, Sulaimon Kamil, was allegedly assaulted during a match at Ikorodu. This led to a ₦3 million fine and a two-match fan ban for Ikorodu City.
- The Recent Derby Defeat: On December 29, 2025, Ikorodu City claimed bragging rights with a narrow 1-0 victory over the defending champions at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. The intensity of that match, coupled with social media banter between the fanbases, has further fueled the fire.
- Youth League Rivalry: The competition between their respective academies has also added a layer of fierce “territorial” pride to the fixture.
NPFL’s Directive: “No Representative Below Team Manager”
To ensure the meeting carries the necessary weight, the NPFL has issued a strict directive regarding attendance. Both clubs are required to send two top-level management officers, specifying that no representative should hold a rank lower than Team Manager.
”The NPFL is deeply disturbed by the growing acrimony between the two geographically brother clubs and wishes to intervene to engender an atmosphere of peace,” the letter noted. The league body believes that if the leadership of both clubs can reach a common ground, it will significantly lower the temperature among their respective supporters.
High Stakes: Remo Stars’ Grand Return to Ikenne
The peace talks are particularly timely because the reverse fixture marks a historic moment for the NPFL. After spending five months playing home games at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta due to pitch renovations, Remo Stars are set to return to their refurbished Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.
The match against Ikorodu City, originally scheduled for early January but slightly shifted, will be the first competitive game on the new FIFA-certified hybrid turf. With Remo Stars currently languishing in 16th place with 22 points, the pressure to secure a win at their “spiritual home” is immense. The NPFL is keen to ensure that this celebratory homecoming does not turn into a theater of violence.
Why This Matters for the NPFL Brand
Davidson Owumi’s proactive stance reflects a broader commitment to rebranding the NPFL as a family-friendly and secure league. By addressing the Remo Stars vs. Ikorodu City feud before the whistle blows, the league is:
- Preventing Crowd Trouble: Pre-empting retaliatory actions from fans who may still be aggrieved by past encounters.
- Protecting Players and Staff: Ensuring that the technical benches can focus on tactics rather than security.
- Promoting “Brotherly” Rivalry: Encouraging the growth of South-West derbies as commercial assets rather than security risks.
Conclusion
As the NPFL peace meeting approaches on January 13, the eyes of the Nigerian football community are on Abuja. A successful resolution will pave the way for a thrilling, high-stakes encounter in Ikenne on January 14. For the fans, the hope is that the only “war” they witness is the tactical battle on the pitch, as Ikorodu City looks to complete a double over the champions, and Remo Stars fight to reclaim their dominance at home.
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