Title Triumph for Remo Stars' Veteran Striker Alimi: A Comeback Story for the Ages
Sikiru Alimi's Journey to Salvation: His Battle to Rise Again with Remo Stars
In the heart of celebration at Remo Stars Stadium, as the final whistle echoed and showers of confetti danced on May 11, one player stood tall amidst the chaos - not just a champion, but a fighter who clawed his way back from the shadows. That man was 29-year-old striker, Sikiru Alimi, who, despite faced with personal trials and team tribulations, rose to the occasion, securing the club's historic league title with a 4-1 victory over Ikorodu City.
Alimi, with a couple of caps for the Super Eagles B team of Nigeria, shared his feelings post-victory with our platform. "At the season's outset, I was in a vulnerable place emotionally. It was a fight to regain my footing, and the coach was instrumental in my revival," he recounted. "The season was a rough ride with many hurdles behind the scenes, making it exceedingly difficult for me."
The threat of anonymity loomed as the rotation, skepticism, and sacrifices weighed heavy on his confidence. But Alimi, choosing bravery over retreat, persevered through the trials and emerged as an integral part of the squad, demonstrating spine and leadership throughout.
His goal in the 38th minute against Ikorodu City symbolized more than just a tally in the statistics; it served as a testament to his resilience, a victory song wrapped in the team's jubilation.
"Winning the match was crucial as we needed to solidify our position as a dominant force. As a South West derby, it was essential to claim supremacy, and we made it count," he continued.
The emphatic win, backed by goals from Shuaibu Lalle Ibrahim, Boniface Nwaeze, and Olamilekan Muhammed Adedayo, signified Remo Stars' first-ever NPFL title. Dignitaries such as Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state, NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, and NPFL Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye witnessed the historic moment, but for Alimi, it was never about the spectacle. It was about persistence, tenacity, and understanding that development requires time and patience.
"If you look at Remo Stars' setup,it's all about consistency. We have been building, and lucky for us, we have an imposing team at the moment. The coaches are already strategizing for the continent," he declared.
Alimi completed the 2024-2025 season with 31 appearances across competitions, scoring 5 goals and aiding 3 more, and found a renewed zest for the beautiful game. Despite limited game time, his influence on the squad was undeniable.
This season was more than a successful campaign; it was the story of a player who teetered on the brink of extinguishment but reignited his passion just in time to hoist a trophy at the heart of the team, a monument to perseverance. And, with continental aspirations within reach, Alimi marches on, representing not just Remo Stars, but the enduring spirit of triumph in the face of adversity.
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- Amidst Remo Stars' triumphant celebrations, striker Sikiru Alimi, with caps for Nigeria's Super Eagles B team, spoke about his personal struggles and the team's hurdles during the season.
- Alimi's 38th-minute goal against Ikorodu City was more than just a statistic; it symbolized his resilience and served as a victory song wrapped in the team's jubilation.
- As Remo Stars secured the NPFL title, Alimi, despite limited game time, showcased an undeniable influence on the squad, echoing the team's theme of consistency and building towards continental aspirations.
- Alimi's triumphant story, from teetering on the brink of extinguishment to hoisting a trophy, represents the enduring spirit of perseverance in the face of adversity, propelling him forward in his career, potentially towards the European leagues, such as Serie A.
