Champions Remo Stars Football Club have been commended for winning the 2024/2025 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) after beating Niger Tornadoes at Ikenne, Ogun State, last Sunday.
The member representing Apapa Federal Constituency of Lagos State in the National Assembly, Dr. Adedayo Samuel, congratulated owner of the club, Hon. Kunle Soname, who recently turned 59 years, and also felicitated with him on the success of his boys.
In a congratulatory message issued on Wednesday by Adedayo, he described Soname as a remarkable sports visionary and successful entrepreneur who has made significant contributions to both Nigerian and international football.
The message read in part: “On your 59th birthday, I celebrate you and congratulate you on the historic NPFL victory of Remo Stars FC – the first privately owned club to clinch the title since 1996.
“A visionary in politics, sports, business, and philanthropy – your impact is loud, your legacy undeniable. We celebrate you, sir. Here’s more wins, more impact, and more grace!”
He said as the owner of Remo Stars FC in the Nigeria Professional Football League and the majority stakeholder of Clube Desportivo Feirense in Portugal’s second division, Soname has firmly established himself as a pivotal figure in the football world.
According to him, from his days at Federal Government College, Lagos, and later at Lagos State University, where he graduated with a degree in political science in 1996, Soname has always displayed a profound dedication to his community and country.
Soname served as the chairman of Ikosi-Isheri Local Council in Lagos State from October 2003 to October 2011 when he constructed and renovated the Border Stadium at Olowora Isheri, demonstrating his commitment to community development and sports infrastructure.
“In the business arena, Soname is best known as the founder of Bet9ja, launched in 2003 under the traded name KC Gaming Networks Limited.
“Soname’s passion for football extends beyond Nigeria’s borders. In 2015, he became the first Nigerian to acquire a European football club, purchasing a 70% stake in Clube Desportivo Feirense.
“This bold move underscores his belief in the potential of Nigerian football and his commitment to fostering international connections and opportunities for Nigerian players,” Adedayo added.
Adedayo is also the Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Health. He was a two-time chairman of the Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State.
