Remo Stars Football Club, the reigning champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), are embarking on their fourth foray into continental football, brimming with ambition and a renewed sense of purpose. Their 2025-26 CAF Champions League campaign kicks off against US Zilimadjou, the champions of Comoros, at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta. This marks a significant step for the Sky Blue Stars, who are determined to finally progress beyond the preliminary rounds and etch their name into the annals of African football history. Previous campaigns have yielded valuable experience, albeit tinged with the frustration of near misses. This year, however, they carry the added weight of a domestic title and the unwavering support of their fans, propelling them towards a breakthrough.
The Sky Blue Stars’ continental journey has been a tapestry of resilience and near misses. Their debut in the 2022-23 CAF Confederation Cup saw them hold Moroccan giants AS FAR to a goalless draw away, only to be edged out 1-0 at home. The following season, in the Champions League, they traded 1-0 victories with Ghana’s Medeama SC before succumbing to the heartbreak of a penalty shootout. Their third attempt, again against AS FAR in the 2024-25 season, witnessed a thrilling 2-1 home victory, but a 2-0 defeat in the return leg extinguished their hopes. These experiences, though painful, have forged a steely resolve and instilled a fearless approach to continental competition. The scars of past defeats now serve as reminders of their potential and fuel their desire to go further this year.
This season, the familiar terrain of their Ikenne home ground will be absent due to ongoing renovations. Consequently, both legs of the preliminary round tie against US Zilimadjou will be hosted at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta. This unique circumstance, though unexpected, presents a distinct advantage, allowing Remo Stars to maintain home-field familiarity throughout the crucial opening rounds. Their opponents, US Zilimadjou, arrive with their own aspirations, aiming to build upon their debut continental appearance last season against Rangers International of Nigeria. While they exited the competition after a 1-1 home draw and a 1-0 away defeat, the experience gained will undoubtedly inform their approach against Remo Stars. The Comorian champions landed in Nigeria on Thursday and promptly engaged in a light training session to acclimatize and combat travel fatigue, underscoring their commitment to making a mark in this year’s competition.
The opening leg presents a pivotal opportunity for Remo Stars to assert their dominance and establish a commanding lead. Coach Daniel Ogunmodede will emphasize the importance of a strong performance, aiming to instill confidence within his squad and ignite the passion of their supporters. A convincing victory in the first leg will provide a crucial buffer heading into the return fixture, also scheduled to be played in Abeokuta on Friday. A successful navigation of this preliminary round will set the stage for a high-stakes encounter against Mamelodi Sundowns, the South African powerhouse and one of the continent’s most formidable clubs. This potential clash looms large as a testament to the growing stature of Remo Stars and their ambition to compete at the highest echelons of African football.
The broader context of Nigerian club football adds another layer of significance to Remo Stars’ campaign. Rivers United, Nigeria’s second representative in the CAF Champions League, commenced their journey with a hard-fought goalless draw against FC Les Aigles du Congo in Kinshasa. Their quest to progress will continue on home soil, contributing to the collective aspiration of Nigerian clubs to make deeper inroads in this year’s continental competitions. The combined performance of Remo Stars and Rivers United carries the hopes of a nation eager to witness its clubs shine on the African stage.
Remo Stars’ journey represents more than just a quest for continental glory; it embodies the aspirations of a club and a nation striving for recognition on the grand stage of African football. Their evolution from a relatively unknown entity to a force to be reckoned with in the NPFL and beyond is a testament to their unwavering commitment and strategic vision. Their blend of youthful exuberance and experienced guidance, coupled with the passionate support of their fans, makes them a formidable presence. This season’s campaign carries the weight of expectation, as Remo Stars seek to not only make history for themselves but also contribute to the growing narrative of Nigerian football’s ascendance on the continental stage. Their journey is one of ambition, resilience, and the unwavering belief in their ability to compete with the best.
