Remo Stars may be one of Nigeria’s youngest sides on the continental scene, but they are quickly earning a reputation for discipline, ambition, and fearless football.
After dispatching Comoros’ US Zilimadjou 4–0 in the first leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary tie, the Sky Blue Stars are on the brink of advancing. But Captain Olamilekan Adedayo insists the job is far from done.
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In an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES ahead of the tie, the skipper explained why complacency has no place in Remo Stars’ camp, what this campaign means to him personally, and how the club hopes to make a statement for Nigerian football on the continent.
Avoiding complacency
Asked how he and his teammates guard against overconfidence after their emphatic first-leg win, Adedayo was emphatic:
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“We are prepared for today’s game just like the last one. We want winning. We’re definitely proud of the first-leg result, but we know the job’s only half done. Football has a way of surprising you, so our mindset going into the return leg is the same as always: stay focused, respect the opponent, and play like it’s 0–0.
“We’ve seen comebacks happen in this sport, so we’re not taking anything for granted. The goal is to finish the tie professionally and keep our standards high.”
Leading a Continental Campaign
For the captain, steering Remo Stars into the CAF Champions League is more than an assignment; it is legacy-defining.
“It means everything to me, honestly. Leading Remo Stars in a continental campaign is a huge honour. Not just for me, but for the entire club and our fans. We know we’re not one of the so-called traditional giants yet, but we’re here to show that we belong on this stage.
“This campaign is about more than just results; it’s about proving that hard work, structure, and belief can take a club far. We want to make a statement that Nigerian football is evolving, and Remo Stars is part of that new wave pushing boundaries.”
Coach Ogunmodede’s message
Head coach Daniel Ogunmodede has emphasised discipline and consistency as the building blocks of the team’s rise. Adedayo hinted at how the group has embraced his leadership.
“Coach Daniel has made it clear that we have to approach every game with the same level of focus and professionalism. As for how we’ll play: whether it’s going all out or being more calculated, you’ll have to find out on the pitch.”
Team Spirit and Unity
The Remo Stars project has been praised for its structure, and Adedayo highlighted the culture within the squad as key to their progress.
“The atmosphere in the team right now is incredible. There’s a real sense of unity… everyone knows their role, and we all push each other to be better every day. From the technical crew to the players, even the backroom staff, there’s a shared belief in what we’re building here.
“That connection off the pitch is translating into performances on the pitch, like we saw in the first leg. We fight for each other, and that spirit is a big reason why we’re achieving the results we are.”
Ambition beyond the Preliminary round
Looking ahead, Adedayo was clear that Remo Stars’ journey is not about participation but competing with the continent’s best.
“We’re taking it one game at a time, but we’re not just here to participate; we’re here to compete. We know the quality we have in this team, and if we stay focused and keep growing with each round, there’s no reason we can’t go far.
“A deep run in the CAF Champions League would mean everything… not just for us as players, but for the club, our fans, and Nigerian football as a whole. It would show that with the right structure, belief, and hard work, clubs like Remo Stars can stand toe-to-toe with the best in Africa.”
A new giant in the making
Since earning their promotion to the NPFL in 2021, Remo Stars have risen rapidly, securing continental football in back-to-back seasons and establishing themselves as one of Nigeria’s best-run clubs.
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Their performance against US Zilimadjou is the latest evidence that they are no longer outsiders, but genuine contenders aiming to etch their name among Africa’s elite.
For Adedayo and his teammates, the message is clear: the Sky Blue Stars are not satisfied with early-round victories. They want to push boundaries, inspire belief, and prove that Nigerian football’s future is being built in Ikenne.
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