Nigerian champions Remo Stars made an emphatic start to their 2025-26 CAF Champions League campaign following a 4-0 victory over US Zilimadjou in the first leg of their preliminary round tie at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Afrosport reports.
The Sky Blue Stars asserted dominance from the first whistle, putting themselves in pole position ahead of the return leg. Remo took control early and broke the deadlock in the 12th minute. A well-delivered corner from Ibrahim Abubakar caused confusion in the Zilimadjou box, allowing Leonard Ngenge to open the scoring.
The visitors responded with a quick break down the left, but their shot from the edge of the box flew wide. Remo Stars, however, kept pressing and Alex Oyowah’s shot tested the defence, while Anthony Ebuka went close after connecting with a free kick.
As the pressure mounted, Samuel Anakwe teed up Joseph Abah for another golden opportunity, but the forward dragged his shot just wide.
Remo’s persistence paid off just before halftime. A smartly worked free-kick saw Abubakar slide a short pass to Chigozie Chilekwu, who surged into the box and laid it off for Anthony Ebuka to finish with composure, doubling the lead in stoppage time.
After the break, US Zilimadjou tried to settle into the game, enjoying more possession but failing to pose any serious threat. Remo head coach Daniel Ogunmodede responded with impactful substitutions, introducing Adama Goita and Hadi Haruna – a decision that paid immediate dividends.
In the 69th minute, Ibrahim Abubakar delivered a precise cross from the right flank, and Goita rose highest to head home brilliantly, making it 3-0.
Samson Olasupo sealed the rout later on for Remo, calmly chipping goalkeeper Youssouf Djawadi after receiving a slick through ball from substitute Haruna.
With this emphatic win, Remo Stars take a huge step toward progressing to the next round and will carry a comfortable four-goal cushion into the second leg at the same venue.
On Saturday, Rivers United earned a 0-0 draw at Les Aigles FC of Congo in Kinshasa in their CAF Champions League preliminary round clash, leaving the tie with all to play for in the reverse fixture.
