Remo Stars have advanced to the second preliminary round of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League for the first time in their history, following a composed 1–0 victory over US Zilimadjou in Abeokuta on Friday.
The Nigerian champions completed a 5–0 aggregate triumph, having carried a four-goal cushion from the first leg in Abeokuta.
Alex Oyowah settled the return fixture with a cool finish in the 74th minute at the MKO Abiola Stadium, capping a professional display from the Sky Blue Stars.
Goals from Leonard Ngenge, Ebuka Anthony, Adams Goïta and Seun Olasupo had done the early damage in the first leg, allowing Daniel Ogunmodede’s side to manage the second game with control and discipline.
Zilimadjou’s hopes of a comeback always looked slim. Though the hosts pressed for an opening to ignite their travelling fans, Remo Stars’ organisation without the ball ensured they rarely looked threatened.
The Nigerian champions grew stronger as the match wore on, and Oyowah’s strike confirmed their dominance while preserving a clean sheet across both legs.
Remo Stars lifts NPFL 2024/2025 title ahead of Rivers United. Photo Credit: NPFL/X
Both matches against US Zilimadjou were staged at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Nigeria.
This was because the Comoros side does not have a CAF-approved stadium, meaning they could not host their “home” leg in the Comoros.
Sundowns await in historic clash
Their reward is a glamour tie in October against South African heavyweights Mamelodi Sundowns, last season’s CAF Champions League finalists.
The first leg will be played in Nigeria between 17–19 October 2025, with Remo Stars hosting at home. The decisive second leg is scheduled for 24–26 October 2025 in South Africa.
Sundowns are the most successful club in the South African Premier Soccer League with 15 league titles, amounting to 18 in total.
Domestically, they have also won the Nedbank Cup six times, the MTN 8 four times, and the Telkom Knockout four times.
Iqram Rayners celebrating his goal for Mamleodi Sundowns at the FIFA Club World Cup. Photo Credit: Getty Images
On the continental stage, Sundowns won the CAF Champions League in 2016 and the CAF Super Cup in 2017, before being named CAF Club of the Year.
They also became the first South African team to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup, finishing sixth.
In recent years, Sundowns have continued to make history, winning both the CAF Champions League and CAF Women’s Champions League, while also being crowned champions of the inaugural African Football League in 2023.
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Sundowns are owned by South African business magnate Patrice Motsepe. However, since Motsepe became CAF President, he has stepped aside from the club’s day-to-day control, handing the chairmanship to his eldest son, Tlhopie Motsepe.
Past continental heartbreaks
For Remo Stars, this qualification marks a breakthrough after falling short in their previous continental campaigns.
2023–24 CAF Champions League – The Sky Blue Stars exited in the first round after a 1–1 aggregate draw, losing 3–2 Medema SC of Ghana on penalties at home in Ikenne.
Alex Oyowah celebrating his goal against US Zilimadjou. Photo Credit: Remo Stars/X
2022–23 CAF Confederation Cup – Remo Stars were eliminated by AS FAR of Morocco, drawing 1–1 in Rabat only to lose 1-0 at home, going out 2-1 on aggregate.
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These setbacks now make their progression this season even more historic, as they prepare for their biggest continental test yet.
Next stage
For Remo Stars, who lifted their maiden Nigeria Premier Football League title earlier this year, the clash against Sundowns represents the toughest challenge in their young continental journey.
The weekend’s other return fixtures across the continent will decide the full line-up for the second preliminary round.
