Remo Stars To Face Giant Sundowns as CAF Champions League Heat Rises
Written by Alonge Akinlolu on 18 — 10
NPFL champions Remo Stars are set for a tough showdown in the 2025/26 CAF Champions League, as they prepare to host South African powerhouse Mamelodi Sundowns in the second preliminary round.
Having blitzed Comoros’ US Zilimadjou 4-0 in the first leg at home in Abeokuta, Remo Stars tightened their grip on the tie by edging their opponents 1-0 in the return fixture bringing the aggregate score to 5-0.
The only goal of the second leg came from Alex Oyowah, who confidently converted a penalty after a handled cross inside the box in the 73rd/74th minute.
With this victory, Remo Stars progress beyond the preliminary round for the first time in their history.
Mamelodi Sundowns, champions of South Africa and winners of the 2016 CAF Champions League, enter this tie with considerable experience and expectations. However, they carry a notable blemish: Sundowns have never won a CAF Champions League match on Nigerian soil in past attempts.
The first leg is scheduled for October 19, 2025, at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, in front of what is expected to be a passionate home crowd, entry has been announced as free by Remo Stars.
The return leg will be held some days later in Pretoria, South Africa.
Remo Stars will rely on strong home form, having just disposed of Zilimadjou in dominant fashion. They will need discipline, patience and clinical finishing to keep Sundowns quiet. On the flip side, Sundowns will lean on their continental pedigree and depth, seeking to break the Nigerian away curse and make a statement.
Former coach Fatai Amoo has publicly voiced his belief that Remo Stars “can upset Mamelodi Sundowns”, emphasising how seizing goal scoring chances and a strong first leg would be critical.
Sundowns’ vast continental experience versus Stars’ fresh ambition and hunger for breakthrough Sundowns’ record in Nigeria adds pressure; a win would erase a historical negative.
Will Remo Stars sit deep and counter, or attempt to impose themselves? Can Sundowns control the game away and ensure they’re not exposed?
The winner of this tie will move into the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition, a place marked by prestige, prize money, and exposure. For Remo Stars, it’s a chance to elevate the club’s brand and stake a claim among the continent’s emerging sides. For Sundowns, it’s about re-asserting dominance and making good on their status as one of Africa’s elite..
