Rangers International and Rivers United will launch Nigeria’s pursuit of continental honours this weekend when the 2026/27 CAF Champions League preliminary phase begins across Africa.
Champions League campaign begins
The opening legs are set for September 4–6, followed by the return fixtures between September 11 and 13. The first phase features 58 teams drawn into 29 two-match ties.
- NPFL title-holders Rangers will host Benin Republic outfit SOBEMAP FC in the first meeting before heading away for the decisive second leg.
- If the Enugu side advances, it will face the winner of the pairing between Niger Republic’s ASN Nigelec and Algerian powerhouse MC Alger in the second preliminary round.
Rangers are back in Africa’s leading club tournament determined to produce a run worthy of the Enugu team’s proud continental record. Their greatest achievement remains victory in the 1977 African Cup Winners’ Cup.
Shooting Stars face experienced opposition
Meanwhile, Tunisian heavyweight CS Sfaxien has reached Nigeria for its CAF Confederation Cup preliminary-round first-leg clash with Shooting Stars Sports Club on Saturday.
The North African visitors arrived in advance of the fixture, which will be played at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta.
Shooting Stars will target a strong result on home soil to improve their prospects before the return encounter away from home.
The match opens the Ibadan club’s continental season and immediately places it up against opponents with extensive experience in African club competition.
The Oluyole Warriors are appearing on the continent for the first time in 27 years, and the technical team led by Salisu Yusuf will aim to make the opportunity count.
Nigeria’s four-club continental presence
Nigeria has four representatives in CAF’s two principal club tournaments this season. Rangers and Rivers United are involved in the Champions League, while Shooting Stars and El-Kanemi Warriors will compete in the Confederation Cup.
