I’ve thoroughly examined each NPFL team and assessed their championship prospects.
In my analysis, I believe that if Remo Stars were to emerge as champions, it would be attributed to two key factors: the tactical prowess of Coach Daniel Ogunbodede and the exceptional talent within their player pool.
One noteworthy aspect of Remo Stars is their impressive goalkeeping department.
They arguably possess the most experienced goalkeepers in the league. Kayode Bankole and Charles Tambe stand out as two of the finest shot-stoppers in the Nigeria Premier Football League, giving Remo Stars a distinct advantage in this area.
Kayode Bankole, Ogunbodede’s primary choice, is a young talent with significant experience.
At just 21 years old, he has already earned a full Nigerian international cap, making his debut for the Super Eagles against Costa Rica in San Jose in 2022.
Despite his age, he demonstrated leadership by captaining the team and making several outstanding saves during a 2-0 defeat.
Bankole also achieved the most clean sheets in the league last season. However, he faces stiff competition within Remo Stars from the equally talented Charles Tambe, who is a goalkeeper capable of walking into the starting lineup of any team in the league.
Tambe has previously guarded the net for clubs such as Shooting Stars of Ibadan, Lobi Stars Football Club, and Abia Warriors.
Notably, Tambe was the goalkeeper in Remo Stars’ historic away victory against Bayelsa United in Yenagoa.
The last time the goalkeeping position was this competitive in the league was when record-winning team Enyimba had the likes of Vincent Enyeama and Dele Aiyenugba in 2003-2004, and more recently, John Noble and Theophilus Afelokhai.
On both occasions, Enyimba went on to win the title and make their mark in CAF Club Competitions.
While Bankole currently holds the undisputed number one spot, there is a possibility of rotation, making it a delightful dilemma for Coach Daniel Ogunbodede to choose between these two exceptional goalkeepers.
Ogunbodede can be considered fortunate as no other coach in the league can boast such a luxury in the goalkeeping department.
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