CAF: Remo Stars win, Abia Warriors draw as Nigerian clubs begin campaign
By Tosin Omojola –
Nigerian clubs began their campaigns in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup over the weekend, with Remo Stars emerging as the biggest winners.
The Ikenne-based side played host to Comoros’ US Zilimadjou at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, in the first leg of their Champions League clash.
It was an emphatic victory for Daniel Ogunmodede’s lads, as they went on a goal spree, hammering the visitors 4-0.
With the first-leg win, the coast now seems clear for the Sky Blue Stars to progress to the next round. They will face Zilimadjou again on Friday on the same turf, which also serves as the adopted home ground of the Comorans for the second leg.
Nigeria’s second representative in the CAF Champions League, Rivers United, had earlier on Saturday forced Congolese side Aigles du Congo to a goalless draw in Kinshasa — leaving everything to play for in the return leg.
In the CAF Confederation Cup, Abia Warriors threw themselves into a tight corner after conceding a late equaliser to Djoliba of Mali, who snatched a 1-1 draw at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. The result gives the Malians a slight edge ahead of the second leg in Bamako.
In Accra, Kwara United fought bravely but were edged out by Ashanti Kotoko, who secured a narrow 4-3 victory. The Harmony Boys will hope to overturn the deficit in the return leg, billed for the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta.
