Nigerian football will once again test its strength on the continental stage as Remo Stars and Kwara United prepare for their CAF campaigns, both aiming to break new ground and write a fresh chapter for the country.
For Remo Stars, the spotlight is even brighter. Not only are the NPFL champions looking to go past the first stage of the CAF Champions League for the first time in their history, but they will also enjoy a rare twist of fate: both legs of their preliminary round will be played in Nigeria.
Remo Stars’ double-home advantage sparks CAF hopes
The Sky Blue Stars, whose Ikenne-based stadium is undergoing renovation, have adopted the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta as their temporary home.
Their opponents, U.S. Zilimadjou of Comoros, have also chosen the same ground as their “home” venue due to CAF regulations.
This means Daniel Ogunmodede’s side will effectively play both ties in Abeokuta—a double-home advantage that offers them a historic opportunity to break through to the next stage.
The first leg is scheduled for Sunday, 21st September, with the return fixture coming just five days later, on Friday, 26th September, both kicking off at 4 pm.
Victory would see the NPFL Champions face a formidable test against Mamelodi Sundowns, winners in 2016 and last season’s beaten finalists.
Kwara United Eyes CAF Breakthrough Against Kotoko
While Remo Stars chase history, their fellow NPFL side, the Harmony boys, will also be flying Nigeria’s flag in the CAF Confederation Cup.
The 2025 Federation Cup champions have been drawn against Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko in the first preliminary round.
The Harmony Boys, who had tried unsuccessfully to bring their Ilorin Stadium up to CAF standard, will also play their home game in Abeokuta.
Supported strongly by the Kwara State Government, Tunde Sanni’s side will travel to Ghana this weekend for the first leg before returning to host Kotoko on Sunday, 28th September.
The expectations are high—victory over Kotoko will set up a mouthwatering clash against Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca in the next round.
Beyond Remo and Kwara, Rivers United and Abia Warriors are also in continental action, making this campaign a wide test of Nigeria’s club football on multiple fronts.
While the Pride of Rivers will trade tackles with Congo Democratic Republic champions Algles Du Congo in the first preliminary round, the Umuahia Warriors will raise their swords to challenge experienced campaigners Djoliba from Mali.
But it is the unique stories of the Remo Stars and Kwara United that grab attention: one side chasing history with a rare double-home advantage, the other locked in a fierce battle over jollof rice with Ghana’s finest.
For Nigerian football lovers, the question is simple:
Can Remo Stars and Kwara United rise to the occasion and rewrite Nigeria’s continental story?
Leave a comment