Remo Stars turn to academy architect Ajibolade in bid for instant NPFL return

Remo Stars have appointed highly rated youth coach Olumide Ajibolade as their new head coach, tasking him with securing an immediate return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following relegation last season.

The club confirmed the decision after Ajibolade’s rapid rise through their own youth structure and his outstanding record with partner side Beyond Limits Football Academy, which he has transformed into one of Nigeria’s most successful development programmes.

Ajibolade first arrived at Remo Stars in 2019 to take charge of the club’s U-17 team within the Remo Stars Academy, quickly earning a reputation for building competitive, technically polished sides.

When Beyond Limits Football Academy was formally established in 2021, he was handed control of the new project. Under his guidance, the academy has since become a benchmark for youth development in the country, consistently competing for and winning honours at domestic level.

Dominance in TCC competitions

Beyond Limits, led by Ajibolade, have been the standout team in the TCC League, securing five titles in six seasons. They lifted the league championship in 2020/21, 2021/22, 2022/23, 2023/24 and 2025/26, underlining their sustained superiority in the competition.

Their dominance extended to cup competitions. Ajibolade steered Beyond Limits to consecutive TCC Cup victories in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns, adding further silverware to the academy’s growing collection.

In 2025, the team also captured the TCC Super Cup, while success at state level followed with Ogun State FA Cup triumphs in 2024 and 2026, reinforcing the academy’s reputation beyond league football.

Back-to-back promotions on national stage

Ajibolade’s impact has not been limited to academy and regional competitions. He guided Beyond Limits to promotion from the Nationwide League One (NLO) to the Nigeria National League (NNL) during the 2022/23 season.

He then orchestrated another promotion the very next year, taking Beyond Limits from the NNL into the NPFL in the 2023/24 campaign – a remarkable rise that showcased his ability to compete and succeed in Nigeria’s senior football pyramid.

That 2023/24 season ended with Beyond Limits crowned Nigeria National League champions in Enugu, marking the high point of the team’s rapid ascent under his leadership.

Focus on developing players

Ajibolade is widely recognised for his commitment to player development, with a coaching philosophy centred on nurturing young talent and preparing them for the demands of professional football.

Over the course of his tenure, he has helped develop numerous players who have progressed to build successful professional careers with clubs across Europe and other parts of the world, further enhancing his standing as one of Nigeria’s most influential youth coaches.

Mandate at Remo Stars

Remo Stars have now turned to Ajibolade to revive their fortunes after dropping out of the NPFL last season. His appointment comes with a clear directive: to guide the club back into the top flight at the first attempt.

The move follows recent restructuring at Remo Stars, including the arrival of Abd’Allah as technical adviser, as the club seeks to reshape its technical set-up around coaches with proven records in both development and results.

While the club has not disclosed contract details, Ajibolade’s track record of building winning teams, achieving promotion and producing professional-level players is expected to be central to Remo Stars’ push for an immediate NPFL return.