Remo Stars launched their 2025/26 CAF Champions League marketing campaign in ruthless trend, thrashing Comoros champions US Zilimadjou 4–0 on the MKO Abiola Sports activities Area, Abeokuta, on Sunday.
The Nigeria Premier Soccer League (NPFL) champions, making solely their third look in Africa’s elite membership competitors, wasted no time asserting themselves earlier than their dwelling crowd.
Defender Leonard Ngenge opened the scoring within the twelfth minute, capitalising on Zilimadjou’s failed clearance. Midfield dynamo Ebuka Anthony doubled the lead late within the first half, giving the Sky Blue Stars full management earlier than the interval.
After the break, Malian ahead Adama Goita rose highest to nod dwelling from Ibrahim Abubakar’s cross within the 67th minute, earlier than substitute Samson Olasupo sealed the rout with a cool end ten minutes from time.
Conde: “We had a plan, however eliminatory not completed”
Head coach Tiago Conde refused to dismiss the opposition’s high quality regardless of the emphatic scoreline, as a substitute crediting meticulous preparation.
“No, I don’t, it’s not honest to say the extent of the opponent is so dangerous. We’ve a plan, we draw a plan for this recreation. There’s two legs, there’s two video games, okay? What we deliberate in the course of the week labored out. We’re fortunate as a result of all of the issues went effectively. We gained 4-0, might be 5 or 6, all people noticed it. However the eliminatory just isn’t completed. We’ve one other recreation.”
Conde harassed that his staff should strategy Friday’s second leg (additionally in Abeokuta) with the identical self-discipline and depth.
“So we’ve to organize this one other recreation, the identical method we ready this recreation, if you wish to win. As a result of once we play, we play two legs, there’s two video games. Then after these two video games, you’ll be able to say, okay, we had been higher. At present issues went effectively for us, thanks. However subsequent recreation is a unique recreation, it’s a brand new recreation.”
Dwelling benefit or not
Remo Stars are presently unable to host video games at their Ikenne fortress, which is present process renovation, and should accept Abeokuta as a short lived dwelling. Conde acknowledged the compromise however insisted his staff would adapt.
“In fact, we desire to play in our own residence stadium. However we can’t say we’re not comfy to play right here. As a result of the options we’ve near our personal city, with the NPFL, with the standard, are right here. Because it’s the one resolution we’ve, so we use this one.”
“It’s not essential. However in fact, we desire to play in our personal stadium, the place our supporters are shut. Perhaps we will put extra individuals within the stadium. In fact. If you solely have rice to eat, you don’t have a selection; it’s both you eat or don’t eat.”
The standard of opposition & the second leg
Requested if he was shocked by Zilimadjou’s efficiency, Conde doubled down on his philosophy of self-discipline and humility.
“I can’t say if we had been impressed with the ball enjoying or not. Like I instructed you, we’ve a plan. We comply with the plan. And we’re fortunate as a result of all of the issues we adopted went effectively.”
“At occasions, we do the identical factor, and the factor just isn’t going effectively, for various causes. So now, it’s a brand new recreation. We’ve to organize for this new recreation in the identical method. Be severe, be right, be humble if you wish to win, and also you go to the following part.”
Ngenge: “A dream debut”
On an evening of particular person brilliance, debutant Leonard Ngenge, who has stepped into the void left by departed captain Junior Nduka, might hardly comprise his delight after opening the scoring.
“To start with, I mentioned to myself, each time I get a chance with an viewers like this, I’ll have to offer because of God first for the flexibility to win, and truly do my greatest to win. It was my dream, so I’m actually completely satisfied about that.”
“Sure, I’m actually excited; first recreation, first objective, debut, you understand, it’s thrilling, I’m actually thrilled. And I simply wish to give gratitude to the coach and the teaching crew in one of the best ways I can. He coached me, believed in me and gave me confidence that I can do it, and yea it’s been carried out.”
On filling Nduka’s large sneakers:
“Yea, one of the best ways to show myself is to not disappoint, and I believe I’ve been in a position to try this at this time.”
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The highway forward
The Sky Blue Stars might maintain a commanding lead, however Conde’s warning is rooted in NPFL historical past; too many Nigerian golf equipment have squandered large first-leg wins up to now.
With the second leg set for Friday, additionally in Abeokuta, Remo Stars will look to complete the job, seal development, and proceed their push to determine themselves as true continental contenders.
