Nigeria, Oct. 20 -- Mamelodi Sundowns arrived in Nigeria with quiet confidence and left with a statement. Their 5-1 demolition of Remo Stars at the M.K.O. Abiola Stadium was not just a Champions League qualifying victory; it was a tactical exhibition, a show of depth, discipline, and ruthless precision.

For head coach Miguel Cardozo, it was exactly the kind of performance he demanded. And as he walked into the post-match press conference, his message was simple: respect the game, respect the opponent, and respect the work.

Asked about the South African Internationals' core of his squad and whether their quality tilted the balance, Cardozo dismissed that narrative.

"First of all, obviously, the players, they are Mamelodi Sundowns player...