Nigeria’s representatives in the 2025/26 CAF Interclub competitions — Remo Stars, Rivers United, Kwara United and Abia Warriors — have discovered their first hurdles on the road to continental glory following Saturday’s draws for the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup that took place in Tanzania.
All four clubs will kick off their campaigns in September 2025, with challenging routes standing between them and the lucrative group stages.
Champions League Pathways
NPFL champions Remo Stars, chasing a first-ever group stage appearance, have been paired with US Zilimadjou of Comoros in the first preliminary round. Should they advance, the Ikenne-based side will face a daunting second-round tie against 2016 champions Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, who are among the favourites for the title, they were the runners-up of the last edition and recently represented Africa at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the US.
NPFL runners-up for 2024/2025 season Rivers United will begin their quest against the league winners from DR Congo. Victory would set up a second-round clash with either AC Léopards of the Republic of Congo or Mozambique’s Black Bulls.
No Nigerian side has reached the Champions League group stage since Lobi Stars achieved the feat in the 2018/19 season — a drought the two NPFL sides will be eager to end.
Confederation Cup Challenge
In the CAF Confederation Cup, Kwara United, winners of the 2025 President Federation Cup, face a stern first-round test against Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko, two-time winners of the African Cup of Champions Clubs.
Progress would pit the Harmony Boys against Moroccan heavyweights Wydad Casablanca, champions in 2017 and 2022.
Meanwhile, debutants Abia Warriors will make their maiden continental bow against Djoliba AC of Mali, a side with a rich CAF pedigree. The winners will advance to meet either USFAS of Mali or Togo’s AS Gbohloe-su in the next round.
Record Participation & Prize Boost
This season will see a record-breaking 120 clubs compete across the two competitions — 62 in the Champions League and 58 in the Confederation Cup. CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe confirmed that financial support for clubs in the preliminary rounds has doubled from $50,000 to $100,000 as part of efforts to boost competitiveness and financial sustainability in African club football.
Key Dates
Preliminary Round: Sept 19–21 & Sept 26–28 Second Preliminary Round: Oct 17–19 & Oct 24–26. Group Stage Kick-off: Nov 21. Knockout Stage: From Mar 13, 2026
With difficult paths ahead, Nigerian clubs will need to combine tactical discipline, squad depth, and consistency if they are to break recent trends and make an impact on the continental stage.