Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions Remo Stars now know their next challenge in the CAF Champions League as they prepare to face Mamelodi Sundowns in a historic second preliminary round clash.
The high-class fixture will see the Sky Blue Stars host the South African giants in the first leg on 17 October in Nigeria, before travelling to Tshwane for the return leg on 24 October, Footballrover reports.
Remo Stars’ Journey to the CAF Champions League Showdown
The Ikenne Boys earned their place in this round with an assured 5-0 aggregate victory over US Zilimandjou of Comoros.
The NPFL champions dominated the first leg in Abeokuta, running out 4-0 winners, before sealing the tie with a 1-0 away victory, thanks to a decisive penalty from Alex Ayowah.
This progress marks a new chapter in the club’s remarkable rise. Founded in 2004 by businessman Kunle Soname, the Sky Blue Stars first reached the NPFL in 2016 but endured relegation setbacks before fighting their way back in 2021.
Their resilience paid off last season when they clinched their first-ever NPFL title, finishing 10 points clear of Rivers United to become Nigeria’s new domestic powerhouse.
Mamelodi Sundowns Eye Early Statement in CAF Champions League
While the NPFL champs had to battle through the opening round, Mamelodi Sundowns enter the competition at this stage due to their high CAF ranking and last season’s run to the final.
Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso will be looking to guide the South African champions to another deep run, but his side face an unpredictable and determined Nigerian outfit.
In that regard, Sundowns have strengthened their squad further ahead of this campaign, adding two midfielders from Liga Portugal.
Nuno Santos, a 26-year-old attacking midfielder from Vitória Guimarães, joined for a reported R20 million, while free agent Miguel Reisinho, also 26, arrived after leaving Boavista.
Both players are expected to add creativity and depth to a squad already brimming with talent.
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