CAF competitions: Remo Stars run riot; Kwara United hit three in Ghana; Rivers United hold firm in Congo

Nigerian clubs returned to continental action over the weekend with mixed fortunes as Remo Stars and Rivers United earned positive results, Soccernet.ng reports.

However, Kwara United fell just short in Ghana while Abia Warriors’ debut ended in late heartbreak.

Remo Stars make a statement

In Abeokuta, Remo Stars' makeshift home, the NPFL champions delivered the standout performance of the weekend, sweeping aside Comoros champions Zilimadjou 4-0 in their CAF Champions League preliminary round opener.

Leonard Ngenge broke the deadlock after 12 minutes with a cool finish before Chigozie Shileku doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time.

Malian forward Adama Goita extended the advantage midway through the second half, and substitute Samson Olasupo wrapped up the rout late on.

It is Remo Stars' biggest ever win in any continental competition and the biggest of any Nigerian club on the continent in three years. 

Head coach Daniel Ogunmodede praised his side’s growth after last season’s painful first-round exit to Medeama.

“Some years ago, we were struggling in the second division, but today we are NPFL champions. Now we want to prove ourselves on the continent. This victory shows we are ready,” the Super Eagles assistant coach said.

Our biggest win yet on the continent ✨

Also the biggest win by a Nigerian club on the continent since 2022

Watch the highlights here: https://t.co/ND4McExTpI#REMZIL #CAFCL pic.twitter.com/BL8ZLNIMT0

— Remo Stars Sports Club (@RemoStarsSC) September 22, 2025

The Sky Blue Stars travel to Comoros for the return leg in a commanding position, with the prospect of a tie against South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns in the next round.

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Rivers United grind out vital away draw

Elsewhere, Rivers United opened their Confederation Cup campaign with a goalless draw against Aigles du Congo in Brazzaville.

The Pride of Rivers created several chances but were denied by a stubborn Congolese defence. At the other end, Stanley Eguma’s men held firm, ensuring the contest remained balanced heading into the decisive second leg in Uyo.

With the away goals rule still in force in CAF competitions, Rivers United know only victory at home will be enough to avoid another early exit.

Finidi George's post-FC Les Aigles du Congo presser

Finidi George spoke to the media after we started our #CAFCL campaign with a goalless away draw.

He spoke about the result, impact of the support from the Nigeria community and more – and here’s how he answered.

Press Play pic.twitter.com/Ko0WbpjMZF

— Rivers United FC (@RiversUnitedFC) September 21, 2025

Kwara United show fight in Ghana thriller

In Accra, Kwara United were edged 4-3 by Ghanaian heavyweights Asante Kotoko in a frenetic Confederation Cup clash.

Emmanuel Antwi’s opener for Kotoko was cancelled out by Johnmark Atule, before Albert Amoah restored the hosts’ advantage.

This is Kwara United’s first goal against Kotoko
The problem is how did the Kotoko midfield and defensive line become so permissible.

Highly unacceptable, you don’t watch Kwara put about 16 passes together and put the ball at the back of the net.

This shouldn’t be happening pic.twitter.com/b1Dw4evuV1

— AUGUSTINE QUANSAH (@AugustineQuan_1) September 21, 2025

Atule struck again in first-half stoppage time to level matters at 2-2.

Kotoko regained control after the restart through Joseph Ablorh, and Amoah added a penalty to stretch the lead. But Kwara refused to fold, with Abdulraheem Shola’s late strike keeping the tie alive ahead of the second leg in Abuja on September 28. The winners will face Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca in the next round.

Abia Warriors denied dream debut win

Back in Uyo, Abia Warriors made their first-ever appearance in continental football but were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Malian side Djoliba.

Chukwuemeka Obioma etched his name in the club’s history by scoring their maiden continental goal in the 21st minute, but Djoliba equalised with just two minutes left on the clock.

Coach Imama Amapakabo lamented his side’s game management.

“Possession without purpose doesn’t give results. At a point, my team started flighting the ball without winning first or second balls. The Malian team were purposeful, and we got punished,” Amapakabo confessed after the clash.

The Warriors now face a daunting return leg in Bamako, needing at least a score draw to stay alive.