CAF Continental Opponents Emerge For Rangers, Rivers, 3SC & Elkanemi

Nigeria's four representatives on the continent have discovered their opponents for the opening round of the 2026/27 CAF inter-club competitions, setting the stage for crucial preliminary encounters as they begin their quest for continental glory.

In the CAF Champions League, seven-time Nigerian champions Rangers International of Enugu have been drawn against AS Sobemap of Benin Republic in the first preliminary round.

The Flying Antelopes will host the first leg between September 4th and 6th in Ikenne, before travelling to Benin Republic for the decisive return leg scheduled for September 11 to 13, 2026.

Former Nigeria Premier Football League champions, Rivers United also face a stern opening test after being paired with FC San Pédro of Côte d'Ivoire.

The Pride of Rivers will also begin their campaign with the first leg between September 4th and 6th while the return fixture is slated for September 11th to 13th, with both clubs battling for a place in the next qualifying round of Africa's premier club competition.

In the CAF Confederation Cup, Nigeria's representatives have equally been handed intriguing fixtures.

Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan will square off against experienced Tunisian side CS Sfaxien, in what promises to be one of the standout ties of the preliminary round.

Meanwhile, El Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri have been drawn against Union Desportivo of Guinea-Bissau, with the Nigerian side set to host the first leg before travelling away for the return encounter.

The draws present varying degrees of difficulty for the Nigerian quartet, with Rangers and Rivers United expected to capitalize on their experience against West African opposition, while Shooting Stars face arguably the toughest challenge against continental heavyweights CS Sfaxien.

All four clubs will be aiming to progress beyond the preliminary stages and enhance Nigeria's reputation in African club football as the race for CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup glory gathers momentum.

With national pride at stake, attention will now shift to September as Nigeria's flag bearers seek winning starts on the continental stage and a place in the next phase of Africa's elite club competitions.