Remo Stars Kick Off CAF Champions League Campaign Against US Zilimadjou In Abeokuta

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions, Remo Stars, will launch their 2025-2026 CAF Champions League campaign today when they face Comoros champions US Zilimadjou at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.

Remo Stars head into the tie carrying both the weight of expectation and the hunger to finally make a breakthrough on the continental stage. This is their fourth consecutive outing in Africa, but despite steady progress in performance, they are yet to move past the first preliminary round.

Their continental story began in 2022 in the Confederation Cup, where they stunned many by holding Moroccan giants AS FAR to a goalless draw in Rabat, only to bow out after a narrow defeat in Ikenne.

The following year, they clashed with Medeama SC of Ghana. After losing 1-0 away, they levelled the tie with a spirited win at home before their dreams ended in a penalty shootout.

The heartbreak continued in 2024 when they met AS FAR again. A 2-1 home win, courtesy of Sodiq Ismail and Nduka Junior, was undone in Morocco where they lost 2-0, slipping out 3-2 on aggregate.

This time, however, the Sky Blue Stars arrive as NPFL champions, a status that is expected to add to their confidence. With their Ikenne ground under renovation, both legs will be played in Abeokuta, giving them a rare advantage of playing at the same venue throughout the tie.

Their opponents are no pushovers. US Zilimadjou, who are making just their second Champions League appearance, faced Rangers International last season. They held the Nigerians to a 1-1 draw at home before losing 1-0 in Uyo to exit 2-1 on aggregate. Determined to do better, they arrived in Nigeria from their home country, Comoros, on Thursday and immediately trained in Abeokuta to shake off travel fatigue.

For Ogunmodede and his players, today’s game is more than a first leg. It is a chance to set the pace, lift the confidence of their supporters, and keep alive the dream of facing South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns in the next round.

Meanwhile, Rivers United, Nigeria’s other representatives in the Champions League, started their campaign with a goalless draw against FC Les Aigles du Congo in Kinshasa on Saturday. They will host the return leg in Port Harcourt as the country’s clubs aim to go deeper in this year’s competition.

Source: Naijanews