Tag: Remo Stars

Cameroon midfielder, Edimo Kingue Franck Alanne, has stated the reason behind his move to reigning Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, champions Remo Stars.

Kingue said that the project, infrastructure and the fans were key to his decision to join the Sky Blue Stars.

“The project and the infrastructure, joined with the fans support, was the reason I joined Remo Stars,” Kingue told the club’s media.

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Kingue joined the Ikenne-based club as a free agent.

He previously played in the Egyptian league with Al Ittihad Alexander.

Kingue is expected to make his debut for Remo Stars in their matchday 22 encounter against Kun Khalifat FC in Ikenne on Monday.

Remo Stars will finally return to their traditional home ground in Ikenne as the second stanza of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season gets underway.

The Sky Blue Stars were forced to play all their home fixtures away from Ikenne during the first half of the campaign due to extensive renovation works at the Remo Stars Stadium.

During that period, the club adopted the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta as a temporary venue, beginning from the start of the season in August 2025, while upgrade works were ongoing at their base.

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However, club chairman, Kunle Soname, has confirmed that the stadium is now fully ready to host competitive matches following the successful completion of renovation works on the pitch.

Speaking on the development, Soname disclosed that the newly upgraded pitch has passed all necessary inspections, including approval from FIFA officials.

 “Renovation of the pitch has been completed and has been certified even by the FIFA inspection team. Our first game will be against Ikorodu City when the second stanza of the season resumes,” he said.

Currently sitting 16th on the NPFL table with 22 points from 19 matches, Remo Stars will be hoping that a return to familiar surroundings provides a vital boost as they seek to improve their league position, starting with the clash against Ikorodu City.

Remo Stars returned to winning ways on Wednesday with a hard-earned 1–0 victory over Kano Pillars at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta.

Under pressure after their home defeat to Enugu Rangers, the NPFL champions responded with purpose.

Their breakthrough came in the 34th minute when Victor Mbaoma rose highest to nod home a decisive header.

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The Sky Blue Stars dominated the second half, creating multiple chances but failing to convert. Their profligacy nearly cost them when veteran midfielder Rabiu Ali curled a free kick that goalkeeper Emmanuel Olisa brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar.

Substitute Samson Olasupo also passed up opportunities to seal the win, with Pillars’ goalkeeper Okeke Abuchi producing several impressive stops to keep his team in the contest.

Kano Pillars, however, failed to muster sustained attacking pressure and slumped to their seventh straight away defeat of the season — a run that leaves them bottom of the NPFL with six points from 13 matches.

Remo Stars’ crucial win lifts them out of the relegation zone into 15th place on 16 points after 12 matches. They now turn their focus to Sunday’s home fixture against 17th-placed Barau FC.

Remo Stars have lost their home invincibility in the Nigeria Premier Football League after they suffered first defeat in 56 home League games following a  1-0 loss to Rangers International  yesterday at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta.

The Flying Antelopes got the sucker punch in the 23rd minute of the game through Godwin Obaje and the Sky Blue Stars who are the reigning champions could not muster a comeback.

Remo Stars have been experiencing a terrible season and presently languishing in the 16^th  spot- a spot outside the relegation zone with 13 points from 11 games. They will struggle to defend the title they won last season for the first time in the club’s history.

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Remo Stars last home defeat before yesterday was their 3-1 loss to Kano Pillars on May 28^th , 2022 which amounted to 1,266 days ago. This defeat came days after the club survived another home defeat when they faced El Kanemi Warriors also in Abeokuta.

They needed two stoppage goals one including a 95^th  minute strike to beat the Borno Army who were leading 1-0 before the late collapse.

The win meant a lot to Rangers International FC who bagged their first away win of the season and have moved to the fifth spot with 19 points from 12 games.

Mamelodi Sundowns hammered Nigerian champions Remo Stars 5-1 in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round first-leg on Sunday. 

Masandawana unveiled a new front trio where new signings Nuno Santos and Reisinho started together for the first alongside Peter Shalulile.

Last season’s runners-up made a dominant start in the 12^th  minute as Tashreeq Matthews picked up a loose ball on the edge of the area and thumped into the top corner.

The Nigerian champions began to assert themselves on their South African counterparts, but the rear-guard of Masandawana dropped back and cleared their lines.

Peter Shalulile doubled the Brazilians’ lead two minutes to halftime when he latched onto a through pass and calmly slotted into the bottom-corner.

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Remo came very close to pull one back right on the cusp of the interval with a point-blank effort in the area, but Rowen Williams pulled a fine stop.

The South African champions were still on the front-foot minutes after the break as good work on the right from Khuliso Mudau unleashed Reisinho who finished easily from close range to open his account for the club.

Coach Miguel Cardoso decided to bring on fresh faces ten minutes later in the form of Kutlwano Letlhaku and Arthur Sales.

Sales put the clash beyond the host inside the closing ten minutes when he picked up a lay-off from Santos and volleyed in.

Remo pulled one goal back in the final exchanges after Olasupo played a one-two in the area and wrong-footed Williams with a snap finish.

However, the South African champions secured a fifth goal as Katlego Ntsabeleng combined with Lebo Mothiba to tap in from the area.

With mixed fortunes from the first-leg results, Nigerian clubs are on the rampage again  starting  from today with key games in the CAF inter-club competitions, TUNDE LIADI writes on the hurdles before  the Nigeria’s quartet as the second leg  ties get underway with Remo facing US Zilimadjou of Comoros yet again in Abeokuta…

With 120 clubs entering the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup — the largest pool in history — the continent is braced for intense battles and Nigeria’s quartet of Remo Stars, Rivers United, Abia Warriors and Kwara United know they must step up to restore lost prestige.

For over a decade, Nigerian clubs have struggled to make a significant impact in Africa. The last CAF Champions League triumph dates back to 2004 when Enyimba against all odds, broke the stronghold of North African teams while no Nigerian side has lifted the Confederation Cup since its inception. Early exits and dwindling CAF rankings have painted Nigerian football as underachieving as such, this season offers a fresh chance to change that narrative.

Nigeria’s CAF struggles are not just about tactics or player quality. Structural issues — poor infrastructure, financial instability, and the exodus of players abroad — often derail campaigns. The misalignment of Nigeria’s domestic calendar with CAF schedules means clubs frequently juggle competitions without rhythm.

But kudos to the Nigeria Premier Football League organisers, who have ensured the league season started on schedule in the last few seasons, with the country’s representatives on the continent involved in preseason tournaments to ease their preparation. They were also able to play a few games of the current campaign before they played their first inter-club games.

CAF has doubled preliminary round grants from $50,000 to $100,000, a welcome boost for logistics. Nigeria’s four clubs will also share over ₦616 million in support from CAF, easing some financial burdens. For clubs like Abia Warriors and Kwara United, such funds could prove crucial in sustaining the journey.

And amidst challenges, there are bright sparks. Young talents like Remo’s Leonard Ngenge, who scored on debut while filling the void of departed captain Junior Nduka, embody a new spirit of belief. Kwara’s resilience in Kumasi shows Nigerian sides can score and compete away. These signs, though small, may mark a shift.

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From Abeokuta to Bamako, Nigeria’s representatives have contrasting journeys but a shared mission: to restore Nigeria’s name in African club football. Remo Stars’ youthful ambition, Rivers United’s experience, Abia Warriors’ underdog grit, and Kwara United’s fiery resolve all carry the hopes of millions.

The path is tough, the margins thin but if discipline, preparation and self-belief align, Nigerian clubs may yet turn 2025/26 into the season that reawakens their continental relevance.

Remo Stars dream big

Making only their third appearance in Africa’s elite competition, Remo Stars announced themselves in style with a 4–0 demolition of Comoros champions US Zilimadjou in the first leg at Abeokuta. Goals from Leonard Ngenge, Ebuka Anthony, Adama Goita, and Samson Olasupo set up a commanding advantage.

With today’s  return leg fixed for the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, following renovation works at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, head coach Tiago Conde insists his players must remain humble.

 “We won 4-0, it could be 5 or 6. But the eliminatory is not finished. We have another game, and we must approach it with the same discipline,” he said.

The absence of injured striker Victor Mbaoma is a blow but Conde has instilled a culture of discipline and tactical focus. Their immediate aim is progression but their long-term goal is to establish themselves as consistent continental contenders.

Remo Stars will have former champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, waiting for them in the next round, with their place in the second preliminary round almost assured with a 4-0 advantage going into the second leg.

Rivers United lean on experience

While Remo Stars provide freshness, Rivers United  bank on their continental  experience. Drawn against DR Congo opposition, Aigles du Congo, the Port Harcourt side got a morale-boosting draw away in Kinshasa. Rivers United, ranked Nigeria’s highest CAF-rated club at 24^th , have the pedigree of recent quarterfinal runs but need greater consistency if they are to out-perform the Congolese in Uyo this weekend.

Technical Manager Finidi George has built a side capable of blending grit and flair, with key men like Ubong Friday and Anthony Omaka expected to shoulder responsibility. Rivers United carry perhaps Nigeria’s strongest chance of going deep in the Champions League, if they can navigate the tricky preliminary rounds.

Meanwhile, Rivers United will slug it out with the winner between AC Leopards of Congo and Black Bulls of Mozambique if they are able to surmount the Aigles du Congo hurdle.

Baptism of Fire for Abia Warriors in Bamako

The Confederation Cup debutants, Abia Warriors, face a daunting task against Djoliba AC in Bamako, having drawn 1-1 at home against the Malians. Djoliba are seasoned campaigners, with multiple semifinal appearances in their history.

For Abia Warriors, the tie represents both a test and an opportunity to show that their NPFL progress can translate onto the continental stage.

Head coach Imama Amapakabo has urged his young side to play without fear. While the odds may be stacked against them, upsets remain part of African football’s magic. A disciplined away performance will be key if they are to qualify for the next round.

Kwara United  renew  West African derby with Asante Kotoko

Perhaps, the most intriguing of Nigeria’s fixtures is the Confederation Cup clash between Kwara United and Ghana’s Asante Kotoko. The Ghanaians edged the first leg 4–3 in Kumasi but Kwara United now have the chance to overturn the deficit on home soil. At training in Abeokuta, coach Tunde Sanni was seen drilling tactical adjustments and urging focus.

 “The players are in high spirits, physically and mentally ready to finish the task and book their place in the next round,” a club statement read.

Kotoko arrive in Nigeria today with confidence, knowing a draw would suffice. But the Harmony Boys, roared on by their fans, have vowed to give everything. The clash promises fireworks, as two West African powerhouses battle for continental survival.

• Rivers United  drew in Congo as Kwara United  stumbled in Accra

NPFL champions Remo Stars made a flying start to their maiden CAF Champions League campaign, cruising past Comoros’ US Zilimadjou with an emphatic 4-0 victory in the first leg of their preliminary round clash at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.

The Sky Blue Stars dominated proceedings from the onset and took the lead in the 12^th  minute when Leonard Ngenge calmly converted from a flicked corner. Despite brief resistance from the visitors, Remo doubled their advantage on the stroke of halftime through defender Anthony Ebuka, who finished off a clever free-kick routine.

Substitutes Adama Goita and Haruna made instant impacts after the restart. Goita headed home a fine cross in the 69^th  minute before Haruna combined with Samson Olasupo for a delightful chip over goalkeeper Youssouf Djawadi to seal a commanding 4-0 win.

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Elsewhere, Rivers United earned a valuable 0-0 draw away to Aigles du Congo in Kinshasa, keeping their qualification hopes alive ahead of the return leg in Uyo.

In the CAF Confederation Cup, Kwara United fell 4-3 to Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko in a thrilling seven-goal encounter at the Accra Sports Stadium, with Johnmark Aule Shirsha scoring twice for the visitors.

Abia Warriors, meanwhile, face an uphill task after being held 1-1 at home by Djoliba Athletic Club of Mali at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo. Emeka Obioma struck the Warriors’ only goal, leaving the Nigerian side needing a big performance in Bamako to stay in the competition.

Comoros side US Zilimadjou have settled in Abeokuta, Ogun State, ahead of their 2025–26 CAF Champions League preliminary round clash with Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions Remo Stars.

The visitors, who touched down in Nigeria in the early hours of yesterday, wasted no time as they held their first training session later that evening at a private facility arranged by the club. 

The session served as an opportunity to shake off travel fatigue and fine-tune preparations for Sunday’s highly-anticipated encounter.

The first leg will be staged at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, with Remo Stars’ Ikenne home ground currently under renovation. 

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Interestingly, the reverse fixture will also take place at the same venue on Friday, September 26, handing the NPFL champions a slight home advantage over both legs.

Victory over Zilimadjou would set up a blockbuster tie for Remo Stars against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, who earned a bye into the next qualifying round.

Elsewhere, Rivers United, Nigeria’s other Champions League hopeful, will begin their campaign on Saturday, September 20, against FC Les Aigles du Congo at the intimidating Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa.

In the CAF Confederation Cup, President Federation Cup winners Kwara United will travel to Accra to face Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday, with the return leg slated for September 28 at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena.

Debutants Abia Warriors are also braced for their first taste of continental football. They welcome Mali’s Djoliba AC to the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Sunday before heading to Bamako for the second leg a week later.

With four Nigerian sides in action across the continent, fans will be eager to see how far their representatives can push in this year’s CAF interclub competitions.