Rangers International and Rivers United have discovered their path in the opening round of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League. Rangers are set to play AS Sobemap from the Benin Republic, while Rivers United will challenge San Pedro of Ivory Coast.
As the reigning Nigeria Premier Football League champions, Rangers will start at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne before heading away for the second leg against their opponents, who are debuting in the competition. If successful, Rangers may face either ASN Nigelec or MC Alger in the next round. Meanwhile, Rivers United will start their journey on the road in Ivory Coast before returning home to face San Pedro, the current Ivorian league holders. A victory for Rivers United would lead to a second-round match against either Vipers or FC Nouadhibou.
The initial matches are set for September 4 to 6, with return legs following on September 11 to 13. Additionally, Nigeria’s CAF Confederation Cup representatives have been decided: Shooting Stars will compete against Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien, and El-Kanemi Warriors are slated to play Guinea-Bissau’s UDIB. This marks the first time since 2019/20 that Nigeria has fielded four clubs across these continental tournaments.
