South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns delivered a stunning performance in Abeokuta on Sunday, overwhelming Remo Stars with a 5-1 victory in the CAF Champions League. The result marks the heaviest home defeat ever suffered by a Nigerian team in continental competition.
Despite a promising start from the home side, Sundowns took control early. Neo Maema found Lesiba Nku with a clever pass in the 12th minute, and Nku squared for Thapelo Matthews to slot home the opener. The goal set the tone for a dominant first half.
Remo Stars struggled to find their rhythm as Sundowns capitalized on defensive errors. Peter Shalulile made it 2-0 just before halftime, leaving the Nigerian side reeling.
After the break, Sundowns continued their assault. Khuliso Mudau found Miguel Reinildo, who scored his first African goal in the 61st minute. Substitute Arthur Sales added a fourth in the 75th minute, further extending the lead.
Remo Stars managed a consolation goal through Samson Olasupo in the 77th minute, but Sundowns immediately responded. Tsiki Nsabelagen, a South African with Nigerian roots, sealed the victory with a goal in the 87th minute.
The final 5-1 scoreline not only marks a record loss for Nigerian clubs at home but also highlights the gap between emerging Nigerian sides and Africa’s established elite.
For Remo Stars coach Daniel Ogunmodede, the result is a tough pill to swallow. His team now faces a monumental task to overturn a four-goal deficit in the second leg on October 26 in Pretoria.
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