Nigerian champions Remo Stars face the sternest test of their continental campaign this afternoon when they take on South African powerhouse Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Champions League second-round, first-leg clash at the Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta.

The match marks a defining moment for the Sky Blue Stars, who are seeking to establish themselves among Africa’s elite clubs after their rapid rise in Nigerian football over the past few seasons.

Facing the 2016 African champions and one of the most dominant sides on the continent, however, presents a formidable challenge.

David vs Goliath Battle

Remo Stars, making only their first appearance in the CAF Champions League second round, will rely on the energy of their youthful squad and the tactical ingenuity of coach Daniel Ogunmodede to contain the attacking flair of Sundowns — a side that has featured in every CAF Champions League group stage since 2018.

Mamelodi Sundowns arrive in Nigeria with an aura of confidence, boasting a squad stacked with experience, including captain Ronwen Williams, midfield maestro Themba Zwane, and Teboho Mokoena.

The South Africans are fresh from domestic victories in the DStv Premiership and will be looking to seize an early advantage before the return leg in Pretoria.

Remo Stars’ Home Advantage

Playing at home, Remo Stars will count on their passionate home fans to inspire them against one of the continent’s most technically efficient sides.

 Forward Adams Olamilekan and midfielder Hadi Haruna will be key in unlocking the visitors’ defence, while goalkeeper Obassa is expected to play a vital role in keeping Sundowns’ potent attack at bay.

Coach Ogunmodede’s Confidence

Ahead of the match, coach Ogunmodede expressed confidence in his team’s ability to rise to the occasion.

“We respect Sundowns for what they’ve achieved, but we’re not intimidated. Football is decided on the pitch, and we’re ready to fight for every ball,” he said.

Sundowns Aim to Maintain Continental Dominance

For the visitors, coach Rhulani Mokwena has made it clear that Sundowns are approaching the tie with full focus, aware that a strong first-leg performance could make their job easier back home in Pretoria.

“We know Nigerian teams are tough and physical, but we’ve prepared well. Our goal is to get a positive result and keep our momentum going,” Mokwena told South African media.

For Remo Stars, today’s clash is more than just a football match — it is an opportunity to announce their arrival on the continental stage against one of Africa’s finest football machines.

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In Maputo, Mozambican champions Black Bulls secured a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Nigeria’s Rivers United in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second-round encounter on Saturday.

The tightly contested match was characterized by tactical discipline and limited clear-cut chances, as both sides struggled to find attacking rhythm in the opening half.

However, the breakthrough came just five minutes into the second half, when Moctar Diallo pounced to slot home for the hosts, finally breaching Rivers United’s defensive line.

Despite late pressure from the Nigerian side, Black Bulls held firm to protect their narrow advantage, giving themselves a crucial edge ahead of the return leg.

Rivers United, Nigeria’s sole remaining representative in the competition, will now need to overturn the deficit when the teams meet again in Port Harcourt, where a win by at least two clear goals will be required to advance to the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition.

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By Kunle Solaja

Two decades after their last visit ended in defeat, South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns will return to Abeokuta this Sunday to face Nigeria’s Remo Stars in the first leg of the second-round clash of the CAF Champions League — Africa’s premier interclub competition.

The encounter sets up a battle between two clubs with sharply contrasting pedigree and experience.

 For Remo Stars, it marks their first-ever appearance in the second round of any continental competition. For Mamelodi Sundowns, it is another step in their quest to reassert dominance on the continent — as former African champions and runners-up in last season’s edition.

Mamelodi Sundowns are 15 times South African league champions and obviously the country’s most successful club.

In many ways, Sunday’s game extends the long-standing football rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa. While the Super Eagles hold the upper hand in national team contests, South Africa’s strength at club level — especially through Sundowns — tells a different story.

Indeed, the recent World Cup qualifying triumph over Rwanda, which secured South Africa’s ticket to the 2026 finals, underlined the domestic foundation of their success. All 11 Bafana Bafana starters were home-based, with five players — including captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams — coming from Mamelodi Sundowns. Others were Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Thapelo Morena, and Teboho Mokoena.

Sunday’s fixture will revive memories of Sundowns’ last competitive appearance in Abeokuta. In August 2001, they were beaten 2-0 by Julius Berger FC of Lagos during a CAF Champions League group stage encounter played at the MKO Abiola Stadium.

Much has changed since then. The Pretoria-based side have evolved into one of Africa’s football powerhouses — winning the CAF Champions League in 2016, finishing as runners-up in the most recent edition, and representing Africa at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States earlier this year.

They currently top the South African Betway Premiership with six wins, three draws, and one defeat from ten matches — the only team to have played that many games.

In contrast, Remo Stars are still finding their rhythm in the Nigeria Premier Football League, sitting 13th on the table — a far cry from the dominance of their visitors. Yet, football thrives on surprises, and the “Sky Blue Stars” from Ikenne will hope to play the role of David in this modern-day clash with Goliath.

If Remo Stars can capitalize on home advantage in Abeokuta and secure a respectable lead, they might just have a fighting chance in the return leg at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on October 26.

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