In a historic moment for Nigerian football, Remo Stars, the reigning Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions, kicked off their 2025-26 CAF Champions League campaign against Comoros’ US Zilimadjou at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta on September 21, 2025. With both legs of the preliminary round tie played on Nigerian soil due to stadium issues in Comoros, the Sky Blue Stars aimed to leverage their home advantage to break their longstanding preliminary round curse, igniting hope among fans for a deep continental run in this thrilling CAF Champions League campaign.
A Historic Clash in Abeokuta
The first leg of the preliminary round tie unfolded at 4 p.m. local time at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, a venue adopted by Remo Stars due to ongoing renovations at their Ikenne home ground. US Zilimadjou, the Comoros Premier League champions, arrived in Nigeria on September 18, holding a training session to shake off travel fatigue and prepare for the high-stakes encounter. Remarkably, the reverse fixture, set for September 26, will also take place at the same venue, as Zilimadjou’s home stadium failed to meet CAF’s international standards.
Remo Stars, under the guidance of coach Daniel Ogunmodede, entered the match as favorites, buoyed by their NPFL title win in the 2024-25 season—their first-ever league crown. However, the team faced a setback with key forward Victor Mbaoma ruled out due to a rib injury sustained in their NPFL opener against Rivers United. Despite this, the squad’s offseason signings, including Malian duo Chaka Coulibaly and Adama Goita, signaled their intent to make a mark on the continental stage.
The Stakes: Breaking the Preliminary Round Jinx
Remo Stars have a checkered history in continental competitions, failing to advance past the preliminary round in their previous three attempts, including a narrow 2023-24 CAF Champions League exit against Ghana’s Medeama SC. A victory over Zilimadjou would set up a blockbuster second-round clash against South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns, a former CAF Champions League winner and a formidable hurdle.
The Sky Blue Stars prepared meticulously, with Ogunmodede emphasizing squad depth and tactical discipline. “We are leaving no stone unturned,” the club declared on social media, rallying fans to turn Abeokuta into a fortress. To boost attendance, Remo Stars offered free regular tickets for the first leg, with VIP seats priced at 5,000 naira.
US Zilimadjou, meanwhile, arrived with determination despite logistical challenges. Last season, they similarly played their “home” leg against Nigeria’s Rangers International FC in Uyo, highlighting their adaptability. Their training session at a private facility in Abeokuta showed their focus on countering Remo’s attacking prowess.
Fan and Expert Reactions: A Nation Watches
The buildup to the match electrified Nigerian football fans, with social media buzzing under hashtags like #CAFCL and #RemoStars. A post from @PoojaMedia on X hyped the clash, urging supporters to pack the MKO Abiola Sports Arena. Local pundits, including analysts from ACLSports, called the tie a “seemingly easy task” for Remo but warned against complacency, citing Zilimadjou’s grit in past continental outings.
Fans in Abeokuta and beyond see this as a chance to restore Nigerian pride, with no NPFL club reaching the CAF Champions League group stage since Lobi Stars in 2018-19. “If our Super Eagles struggle against PSL teams, can Remo really beat Sundowns?” one skeptical X user posted, reflecting mixed sentiments.
Impact on Nigeria: Football, Economy, and Pride
For Nigerian football fans, Remo Stars’ campaign is more than a game—it’s a symbol of hope. A strong showing could boost the NPFL’s reputation, attract sponsorships, and inspire youth in Ogun State, where football is a cultural lifeline. Economically, hosting both legs in Abeokuta pumps revenue into local businesses, from food vendors to transport services, especially with free tickets drawing larger crowds.
The MKO Abiola Sports Arena, named after the late Nigerian icon, has become a temporary hub for continental football, also hosting Kwara United’s CAF Confederation Cup matches. This underscores Nigeria’s infrastructural challenges but also its adaptability, as clubs navigate CAF’s strict venue standards.
Looking Ahead: A Defining Week for Remo Stars
As the final whistle blew on September 21, all eyes turned to the return leg on September 26. A convincing aggregate win would propel Remo Stars into a daunting but glamorous tie against Mamelodi Sundowns, offering a chance to etch their name in African football history. Win or lose, this CAF Champions League campaign tests Nigeria’s football resurgence, with Remo Stars carrying the weight of a nation’s expectations.
In Abeokuta, the roar of the crowd and the dream of continental glory fuel Remo Stars’ fight against US Zilimadjou, a pivotal step in their quest to redefine Nigerian football in the 2025-26 season.