Remo Stars shine in continental opener as Rivers Utd, Abia Warriors, Kwara Utd stumble

Remo Stars made a perfect start to their CAF Champions League campaign with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Comorian side US Zilimadjou at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta.

The Sky Blue Stars wasted little time asserting dominance, breaking the deadlock in the 12th minute. Ibrahim Abubakar’s teasing corner unsettled the visitors’ defence and debutant Leonard Ngenge calmly tucked home. Zilimadjou’s brief response sailed wide, while Remo pressed on with Alex Oyowah and Anthony Ebuka both going close.

Their persistence was rewarded just before halftime. A smartly executed free-kick routine saw Abubakar release Chigozie, who squared for Ebuka to double the lead and send Remo into the interval two goals up.

The Comorian side enjoyed more possession after the restart but rarely troubled Remo’s backline. Coach Daniel Ogunmodede’s substitutions tilted the game further in the hosts’ favour.

In the 69th minute, Abubakar delivered a precise cross for new Malian signing Adama Goita, who powered home a header. Ten minutes later, Haruna slipped a through ball to Samson Olasupo, who coolly chipped over Youssouf Djawadi to complete the 4-0 rout.

The result leaves Remo firmly in control ahead of the return leg in Comoros.

Elsewhere, Kwara United endured a setback in the CAF Confederation Cup, falling 4-3 to Ghana’s Asante Kotoko in a thrilling encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Johnmark Atule struck twice to keep the Afonja Warriors level at halftime, but Kotoko pulled ahead through Joseph Ablorh and Albert Amoah’s penalty. A late goal from Abdulraheem Shola gave Kwara hope, yet they fell just short. They must overturn the deficit in the return leg in Abuja on September 28 to reach a potential clash with Moroccan giants Wydad AC.

Abia Warriors, debuting on the continental stage, earned a 1-1 draw against Malian side Djoliba AC in Uyo. Emeka Obioma’s first-half header was cancelled out by a late equaliser in the 88th minute.

Meanwhile, Rivers United played out a goalless draw with Les Aigles in Kinshasa in their Champions League tie, leaving everything to play for in the return fixture at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium next weekend.

The return legs are scheduled for 26–28 September 2025, where aggregate winners will advance to the Second Preliminary Round.

With a place in the group stages ultimately at stake, clubs will be looking to either protect their leads or mount spirited comebacks in front of their home fans.