CAF Champions League: Rangers, Rivers United find out opponents

Nigerian Premier Football League champions Rangers FC and fellow NPFL side Rivers United have discovered their opponents for the 2026-27 CAF Champions League, Soccernet.ng reports.

The draw was conducted in Cairo, Egypt, shortly after the CAF Confederation Cup draw on Wednesday.

A total of 61 clubs entered this season’s competition, with the three highest-ranked teams — Mamelodi Sundowns, Espérance de Tunis and RS Berkane, receiving byes into the second preliminary round.

The remaining 58 clubs were paired in two-legged first preliminary round ties and the 29 winners will join the three seeded teams in the second preliminary round, making up the final 32 clubs. 

From there, 16 teams will qualify for the group stage, where they will compete for the African title currently held by Mamelodi Sundowns.

NPFL representatives learn CAF Champions League route

Nigeria will be represented by Rangers and Rivers United, both of whom featured in last season’s competition but failed to progress beyond the group stage.

Champions Rangers have been drawn against Benin Republic side AS Sobemap in the first preliminary round. Should they progress, they will face either MC Alger or ASN Nigelec in the second preliminary round, with the Algerian side expected to provide a much tougher challenge.

Rivers United, who endured a disappointing campaign last season by finishing bottom of their group, will begin this year’s competition against Ivorian side FC San Pedro. If they advance, they will meet either Vipers SC or FC Nouadhibou in the second preliminary round.

Both Nigerian clubs will be aiming for a stronger showing this season as they look to end the country’s long wait for another CAF Champions League title. No Nigerian club has won the competition since Enyimba’s historic triumph in 2004.

The preliminary rounds are scheduled to be played between September 4 and October 25, while the group stage is set to begin in November.