Remo Stars will begin their 2025–26 CAF Champions League journey against Comoros champions US Zilimadjou in the preliminary round, while Rivers United will face the top club from the Democratic Republic of Congo, yet to be confirmed.
The draw for the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup was held on Saturday at the Azam Media Studios in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, featuring a record 62 elite African clubs.
Remo Stars and Rivers United earned Nigeria’s two slots in Africa’s premier club competition after finishing first and second in the 2024–25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
The preliminary round will be contested over two legs between September 19–21 and September 26–28, 2025. Winners will move into the Second Preliminary Round, scheduled for October 17–19 with return fixtures on October 24–26.
For Remo Stars, this will be their third appearance in the CAF Champions League preliminary round. Despite falling short in their first two attempts, the Ikenne-based club is aiming to break that record and reach the group stage for the first time. To strengthen their chances, they have signed experienced forward Victor Mbaoma, who has previously featured in the CAF Champions League with Enyimba and Rwandan giants APR.
If Remo Stars advance past US Zilimadjou, they will face South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the next qualifying phase, after the Sundowns received a preliminary round bye.
Both Nigerian clubs will be determined to push past the early rounds and secure a lucrative spot in the group stage, where Africa’s best sides compete for continental glory.
Watch Full Draw – HERE
