Defending Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions, Remo Stars, have been granted official clearance to relocate their home fixtures back to the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne for the remainder of the 2025–26 season. This pivotal directive was issued on Friday, February 27, 2026, by the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) Appeals Committee. The ruling effectively brings an end to the club’s temporary exile at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, confirming that the “Sky Blue Stars” have successfully served a reduced five-match stadium ban imposed following disciplinary infractions earlier this year.
The initial sanction was the result of a turbulent Matchday 20 encounter against Ikorodu City on January 14, which was marred by significant crowd disturbances and security failures. While the NFF has now authorized the return to their preferred home turf, the committee emphasized that the club remains accountable for the financial penalties associated with the incident. These include substantial fines levied for the failure to maintain adequate matchday security and the compensatory costs for damages incurred during the unrest. The lifting of the ban is seen as a major psychological boost for the Ikenne-based side as they navigate a difficult period in their title defense.
“Defending champions Remo Stars have been permitted to return to their home ground in Ikenne for the remainder of the 2025-26 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, season. The Nigeria Football Federation’s Appeals Committee gave the order on Friday. The decision follows a reduced five‑match ban that has now been completed, allowing the Sky Blue Stars to host opponents at the Remo Stars Stadium again.”
The timing of the return is critical, as Remo Stars are scheduled to host Katsina United this Sunday, March 1, 2026, marking their first competitive appearance back in Ikenne. The “Sky Blue Stars” are currently enduring a dismal run of form, having failed to secure a victory in their last six outings. This slump has seen the reigning champions plummet to 19th position in the NPFL standings, currently sitting in the relegation zone with just 27 points from 27 matches. The club’s management is hopeful that the familiar surroundings and the support of the home crowd will provide the necessary spark to ignite a late-season survival charge.
“The committee’s ruling comes after a disciplinary case stemming from crowd disturbances during a January 14 fixture against Ikorodu City, which led to a temporary relocation of home games to Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan. The ban has been lifted, the club remains liable for a total fine for security lapses and damage caused during the incident. Remo Stars will trade tackles with Katsina United on their return to Ikenne this weekend. They currently occupy 19th position on the NPFL table with 27 points from 27 matches.”
