When Victor Mbaoma stepped again onto the Nigeria Premier Soccer League (NPFL) turf this season, Remo Stars knew they have been welcoming not only a returning son, however a confirmed goalscorer with unfinished enterprise.
Now in blistering kind, the striker has shortly reminded the league why he as soon as earned his transfer overseas, and why his comeback could also be one of many Sky Blue Stars’ most vital selections of the marketing campaign.
In an unique dialog with PREMIUM TIMES, the ahead mirrored on his return to a league he helped illuminate earlier than his departure, evaluating the NPFL he left with the one he has now rejoined, whereas additionally assessing Remo Stars’ turbulent title defence.
The previous APR FC man delivered one other assertion efficiency in Remo’s 2–0 win over Barau FC, scoring a sensational poacher’s objective from a half-chance; exactly the sort of ruthless, sharp-angled end that outlined his earlier NPFL rise.
“It was not a nasty sport,” Mbaoma stated, analysing the victory with measured confidence. “We approached it effectively as a result of we all know the place we’re and what’s at stake. So, I believe we did very effectively.”
His strike, instinctive, exact, and executed inside a cut up second, was the day’s standout second. However for Mbaoma, it was all about fundamentals.
“Truly, an important factor for a striker is to hit these 4 frames, which is vital,” he defined. “That was an important factor on my thoughts, and to get my angle very proper.
“So, I believe that was what I did, and God on my facet, I might hit it.”
Returning to a brand new NPFL: What has modified?
Mbaoma left the NPFL as one in every of its elite forwards, incomes national-team consideration and a transfer overseas. The league he has returned to: crowded stands up north, largely sporadic down south, besides in a number of areas; epileptic broadcast construction; not too improved coaching surfaces, however rising tactical maturity. Not precisely the identical.
“Yeah, after all, not too dangerous,” he stated when requested if the league has improved. “However I believe we are able to nonetheless do extra.
“As a result of we aren’t the place we should be, however at the very least there are a variety of modifications, which may be very, superb for us.”
His evaluation echoes a sentiment shared by many returning NPFL gamers: the league is evolving, even when the tempo remains to be not the place many would really like it to be. Amenities have improved in pockets, match organisation is tightening, and extra groups are investing in strategic recruitment.
And at Remo Stars, a membership intent on changing into the usual, these modifications really feel much more deliberate.
The Champions’ battle: “Groups come right here to battle for all the things”
Remo Stars entered this season as defending champions, carrying each expectation and a goal on their backs. A turbulent begin left followers questioning the crew’s rhythm, however Mbaoma believes the problem is a pure consequence of success.
“It’s the sport, you recognize. We gained the league final season,” he stated. “So, after all, you’ll anticipate that if something comes right here to play, they’ll do all the things that they will to be sure that they get one thing out of right here.
“So, for us, I believe we’re starting to get our ass again and it’s a really constructive factor for us proper now.”
It’s a blunt, candid reflection, true to Mbaoma’s character and completely summarising Remo’s journey to date: ambition, strain, changes, and now a resurgence.
A message to followers
By the highs and lows, Remo Stars have leaned on a passionate fan base that has stayed loud even when the performances dipped. Mbaoma didn’t miss the chance to acknowledge them.
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“We love you guys,” he stated, a brief however heartfelt message to supporters navigating the identical emotional trip.
For Remo Stars, the return of a razor-sharp Victor Mbaoma seems like a turning level. For the NPFL, his presence is one other reminder that the league stays a proving floor for elite Nigerian expertise.
