Nigerian champions, Remo Stars, made a bold statement in their CAF Champions League debut, hammering US Zilimadjou 4-0 in the first preliminary round first-leg clash on Sunday at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta.

The Sky Blue Stars were ruthless on home soil, with goals from Leonard Ngenge, Ebuka Anthony, Adama Goita, and Samson Olasupo sealing a comfortable win for Daniel Ogunmodede’s men.

Remo Stars set the tone early, pressing high and creating chances. Joseph Abah fired over the bar before debutant Ngenge pounced on a loose ball in the box to open the scoring in the 12th minute.

Just before halftime, a clever free-kick routine doubled their advantage. Abubakar Ibrahim’s disguised delivery found Chilekwu Chigozie, who squared across goal for Ebuka Anthony to tap in from close range.

The visitors had no response and barely troubled Remo’s goalkeeper, Adeniyi Obassa.

After the restart, Ogunmodede’s tactical changes added more firepower. Substitutes Haruna Hadi and Adama Goita combined, with Goita heading home Ibrahim’s delightful cross in the 70th minute for 3-0.

The icing on the cake came late on when Samson Olasupo, another substitute, latched onto Hadi’s pass and calmly slotted in the fourth.

With the emphatic victory, the NPFL champions hold a commanding advantage ahead of the return leg, also set for Abeokuta on Friday. The aggregate winner will face South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns in the final qualifying round.