The draw for the 2025/26 CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup has set the stage for an exciting continental campaign, with four Nigerian clubs embarking on challenging journeys in pursuit of glory. Remo Stars, Rivers United, Kwara United, and Abia Warriors will all represent Nigeria, each facing unique obstacles and opportunities as they navigate the preliminary rounds. The increased financial support from CAF for participating clubs adds another layer of intrigue to the competition, promising a more competitive and potentially lucrative experience for the Nigerian representatives.
Remo Stars, crowned champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), begin their Champions League quest against US Zilimadjou of Comoros. A victory in this opening encounter would set up a daunting second-round clash against South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns, the 2016 Champions League winners and a powerhouse of African football. Sundowns, also representing Africa at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, present a significant hurdle for Remo Stars, who will need to overcome their past preliminary round exits to progress further in the tournament. The historical context highlights the difficulty Nigerian clubs have faced in recent years, with no team reaching the group stage since Lobi Stars achieved the feat in the 2018/19 season.
Rivers United, runners-up in the NPFL, face the league winners from DR Congo in their opening Champions League fixture. A successful first round would lead them to a second-round encounter against either AC Léopards of the Republic of Congo or Mozambique’s Black Bulls. Like Remo Stars, Rivers United will aim to break the cycle of early exits for Nigerian clubs in the Champions League. The challenge is substantial, requiring tactical acumen and resilience to navigate the preliminary rounds and reach the coveted group stage.
Shifting focus to the Confederation Cup, Kwara United, winners of the 2025 Federation Cup, have been drawn against Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko in the first round. This match-up pits Kwara United against a club with a rich continental history, boasting two African Cup of Champions Clubs titles. Should they overcome Asante Kotoko, Kwara United would then face Moroccan powerhouse Wydad Casablanca, the 2017 and 2022 African champions, in the second round. This potential second-round clash represents a monumental task for Kwara United, offering both a significant challenge and a valuable opportunity to test themselves against one of Africa’s elite.
Abia Warriors, making their debut in a CAF competition, will commence their Confederation Cup journey against Djoliba AC of Mali in the first round. Djoliba AC, a club with considerable continental experience, presents a stern test for the Nigerian debutants. A victory for Abia Warriors would set up a second-round encounter against either USFAS of Mali or AS Gbohloe-su of Togo. This match-up offers Abia Warriors a chance to gain valuable experience and establish themselves on the continental stage.
The expansion of the CAF interclub competitions to include a record 120 clubs underscores the growing interest and competitiveness of African football. With 62 teams vying for the Champions League title and 58 competing in the Confederation Cup, the stage is set for a thrilling showcase of African talent. The increased financial support for clubs competing in the preliminary rounds, doubled from $50,000 to $100,000, is a significant development aimed at strengthening the financial stability and competitiveness of African club football. This investment by CAF demonstrates a commitment to elevating the quality and sustainability of the game across the continent.
The preliminary rounds promise intense battles as teams fight for a place in the group stages. The first preliminary round matches are scheduled for September 19-21 and 26-28, with the second round taking place from October 17-19 and 24-26. The group stage, commencing on November 21, will further intensify the competition, culminating in the knockout stages starting in March 2026. The journey for the Nigerian representatives is fraught with challenges, but also filled with opportunities to make history and leave a lasting mark on African football. Their performances will not only determine their own fate in the competitions but also contribute to the narrative of Nigerian club football on the continental stage.
