NPFL champions Remo Stars have made history by reaching the second round of the CAF Champions League preliminary stage for the first time, sealing their progress with a 1-0 victory over US Zilimadjou at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta on Friday. The result gave the Sky Blue Stars a commanding 5-0 aggregate win over the Comorian side.
The game began brightly for Remo Stars, with Ibrahim Abubakar delivering a dangerous cross in the fifth minute that midfielder Haruna Hadi failed to convert, his effort flying high over the bar.
The visitors, who had adopted Nigeria as their “home ground” for the tie, threatened in the 16th minute when a fierce left-footed strike from 20 yards was expertly pushed away by goalkeeper Adebiyi Obassa.
Remo Stars responded with quick-fire chances in the 20th minute, as Haruna Hadi blazed over from a loose ball in the box before captain on the day Samuel Anakwe hit the side netting after being played through on goal.
In the 34th minute, midfielder Oshidero went down injured and was replaced by Qudus Olamilekan, a change that briefly disrupted the NPFL champions’ rhythm. The Comorians nearly capitalised on the stroke of halftime, but Obassa once again stood tall, parrying away a shot destined for the corner.
The second half was a tight affair, with both sides cancelling each other out in midfield. Substitute Michael Ibe came close in the 69th minute, firing inches wide after a goalmouth scramble.
The breakthrough arrived in the 72nd minute when Ibrahim Abubakar’s cross was handled inside the box by a Zilimadjou defender. Alex Oyowah stepped up confidently, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to give the Sky Blue Stars the decisive lead.
Remo Stars held firm in the closing stages to secure victory and now set up a tantalising second-round clash against African power-house Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa.
