NFF Appeals Committee Overturns NPFL Ban, Restores Remo Stars to Ikenne

NFF Appeals Committee Overturns NPFL Ban, Restores Remo Stars to Ikenne

By Niyi Busari 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Appeals Committee has overturned the decision of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to banish Remo Stars from their home ground, ordering that the club’s matches be returned to Ikenne with immediate effect, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The NPFL had earlier sanctioned the defending champions following crowd disturbances during their Matchday 20 fixture against Ikorodu City on January 14. In its ruling, the league body fined Remo Stars ₦7 million for breaching its Framework and Rules and directed that the club play its home matches at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.

According to the NPFL, Remo Stars failed to provide adequate and effective security for the encounter, resulting in clashes between supporters of both teams. The league said the disturbances led to injuries among away fans and damage to vehicles.

The disciplinary panel further held that the club did not ensure the proper conduct of its supporters, citing incidents of harassment and intimidation of match officials. It also reported that objects were thrown onto the pitch, causing repeated stoppages, and alleged that dangerous items were brought into the stadium — actions it said brought the game into disrepute.

However, in a decision delivered on Friday, February 27, 2026, the NFF Appeals Committee set aside the NPFL’s banishment order, paving the way for Remo Stars to return to their home stadium in Ikenne.

Remo Stars are scheduled to host Katsina United on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, in what will be their first home fixture since the sanction was lifted. The match will also mark the first game in charge for the club’s newly appointed coach, Abdallah.

The Ikenne-based side currently sit 19th on the league table with 27 points from 27 matches as they battle to climb out of the relegation zone.