Remo Stars beat US Zilimadjou 4-0 in their CAF Champions League opener, putting one foot in the next round ahead of Friday’s return leg in Abeokuta

Remo Stars overcomed US Zilimadjou 4-0 on Sunday in a commanding first-leg performance at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, to kick off their CAF Champions League campaign in style.

Also read: Bet9ja Remo Stars Partnership Boosts CAF Ambitions

The Nigeria Premier Football League champions, in their fourth straight continental appearance, delivered a clinical and composed display that leaves them firmly in control ahead of the return leg on Friday — which will also be played in Abeokuta due to stadium logistics.

Remo Stars opened the scoring in the 13th minute when defender Leonard Ngege reacted quickest to a loose ball following a corner from the left.

The early breakthrough followed pressure from Joseph Abah, who had already tested Zilimadjou goalkeeper Youssouf Diawadi minutes earlier.

The Sky Blue Stars looked sharp throughout, and nearly doubled their lead soon after when Olamilekan Adedayo’s lofted pass found Alex Oyowah.

The winger dribbled past two defenders but narrowly missed the target with his shot.

Their dominance paid off in first-half stoppage time. A well-worked free-kick routine saw Chigozie Chilekwu link with Ibrahim Abubakar, who cut the ball back for Ebuka Anthony to slot calmly into the bottom corner, making it 2-0 at the interval.

Remo continued to press after the break. In the 69th minute, substitute Adama Goita powered home a header from Abubakar’s precise cross for the third goal.

Just ten minutes later, another substitute, Samson Olasupo, completed the rout.

He tapped in from close range after being set up by Haruna Hadi, who has now provided assists in back-to-back matches.

Remo Stars beat US Zilimadjou convincingly, while the visitors, champions of Comoros, failed to replicate the spirit of their 2023 continental debut against Rangers International.

Their only real chance came early in the game, when they forced a defensive clearance.

Victory over both legs would send Remo Stars into the second qualifying round, where they could face South African heavyweights Mamelodi Sundowns in what promises to be a major test.

Also read: Bet9ja Remo Stars Partnership Boosts CAF Ambitions

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s other representatives, Rivers United, settled for a goalless draw away to FC Les Aigles du Congo in Kinshasa, leaving all to play for in their second leg.