Rangers and Rivers United Discover CAF Champions League Opponents

Nigeria's representatives in the 2026/27 CAF Champions League now know the teams standing between them and the group stage.

The draw, held in Cairo on Wednesday, handed Nigeria Premier Football League champions Rangers a first preliminary round clash against AS Sobemap of Benin Republic, while Rivers United will face FC San Pedro of Côte d'Ivoire.

If Rangers overcome AS Sobemap over two legs, they will take on either MC Alger of Algeria or ASN Nigelec of Niger in the second preliminary round. MC Alger are expected to be favourites in that tie and would present a much tougher test for the Flying Antelopes.

Rivers United also face a difficult route. Victory over FC San Pedro would set up a meeting with either Vipers SC of Uganda or FC Nouadhibou of Mauritania in the next round.

Both Nigerian clubs will be hoping to improve on last season's continental performances. Rangers and Rivers United failed to make a deep run in Africa's biggest club competition, and expectations are much higher this time around.

The CAF Champions League preliminary rounds will begin in September, with the first-leg matches scheduled for 4–6 September and the return fixtures taking place 11–13 September. The second preliminary round will be played in October before the group stage begins in late November.

Nigeria has not produced a CAF Champions League winner since Enyimba successfully defended the title in 2004, making the country's wait for continental glory more than two decades long.

For Rangers and Rivers United, the mission is clear.

First, survive the preliminary rounds. Then, end Nigeria's long absence from the latter stages of African club football.