Nigerian Clubs Discover CAF Interclub Preliminary Opponents

Nigeria’s flagbearers in the 2025/26 CAF interclub competitions, Remo Stars, Rivers United, Kwara United and Abia Warriors, now know their first hurdles on the road to continental glory after Saturday’s preliminary round draws for the Champions League and Confederation Cup in Tanzania, Sport360NG reports.

All four sides will kick off their campaigns in September, facing tricky fixtures as they bid to reach the lucrative group stages.

Champions League

NPFL champions Remo Stars have been paired with Comoros outfit US Zilimadjou in the first preliminary round. Victory over the islanders would set up a mouth-watering second-round clash with South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns, winners of the 2016 title and participants in next year’s FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

Rivers United, last season’s league runners-up, will open against the DR Congo champions. Should they advance, they will battle either AC Léopards of Congo-Brazzaville or Mozambique’s Black Bulls for a place in the group stage.

No Nigerian side has reached the Champions League group phase since Lobi Stars managed the feat in 2018/19. Remo Stars have been Nigeria’s most regular contenders in recent years but suffered preliminary exits in both 2023/24 and 2024/25.

Confederation Cup

In the Confederation Cup, 2025 Federation Cup winners Kwara United face a stern first test against Ghanaian heavyweights Asante Kotoko, who boast two African Cup of Champions Clubs titles. A win would see them meet Moroccan powerhouse Wydad Casablanca, continental champions in 2017 and 2022, in the second round.

Debutants Abia Warriors begin their maiden CAF adventure against Mali’s Djoliba AC, a side well-versed in African competition. The victor will go on to meet either USFAS of Mali or Togo’s AS Gbohloe-su.

Expanded Competition and Increased Support

This season marks a record participation of 120 clubs, 62 in the Champions League and 58 in the Confederation Cup. CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe revealed that prize money for clubs in the preliminary stages has doubled from $50,000 to $100,000, aimed at boosting competitiveness and financial stability across the continent.

First-leg matches in the opening round are set for September 19–21, with the return legs on September 26–28. The second round will follow on October 17–19 and October 24–26, leading into the group stage from November 21. The knockout rounds are slated to begin on March 13, 2026.