Remo Stars’ preparations for their CAF Champions League return leg against Mamelodi Sundowns have suffered a major setback. The South African Consulate General in Lagos delayed the team’s visa processing, creating confusion around their travel plans.
Insider reports reveal the club submitted 43 visa applications on October 10. This was nine days before their first-leg match in Abeokuta. Initially, only 11 visas were approved. Later approvals increased to 26 total visas, but only 12 were for players.
The processing delays forced Remo Stars to cancel their Thursday morning flight. Air Tanzania bookings and South African hotel reservations were also scrapped. This occurred despite timely submission of all required documents.
Club officials expressed concerns about possible obstruction tactics. The visa issues follow Sundowns’ decisive 5-1 victory in the first fixture. Some suspect an attempt to undermine Remo Stars’ participation.
This mirrors a September 2024 incident involving Nigeria’s Junior D’Tigers. The basketball team reportedly faced similar visa denials from South African authorities. They consequently missed an international tournament.
With the critical match approaching, Remo Stars are scrambling to secure visas. Time is running out to arrange new travel logistics. The Nigerian champions haven’t issued an official response yet.
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