Nigeria’s four representatives in next season’s CAF inter-club competitions have officially discovered the opponents standing between them and a place in the next qualifying round following Thursday’s preliminary draws conducted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The draw has handed each Nigerian club a unique challenge, with Rivers United and Rangers International set for CAF Champions League action, while Shooting Stars and El Kanemi Warriors will compete in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Rivers United, Rangers Begin Champions League Quest
Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) runners-up Rivers United have been paired with Côte d’Ivoire’s FC San Pédro in one of the headline fixtures of the CAF Champions League first preliminary round.
The Port Harcourt outfit faces a demanding two-legged contest as it aims to secure a place in the competition’s lucrative group stage.
The first leg will be played between September 4 and 6, while the return fixture is scheduled for September 11 to 13.
Should Rivers United progress, they will meet either Uganda’s Vipers SC or Mauritania’s FC Nouadhibou in the second preliminary round.
Reigning NPFL champions Rangers International will take on Benin Republic champions AS Sobemap in another West African showdown.
The Flying Antelopes are set to play the opening leg at their adopted home ground in Ikenne before travelling to Benin Republic for the decisive return leg a week later.
Victory over AS Sobemap would earn Rangers a second-round clash against either Niger’s Nigelec or Algerian powerhouse MC Alger.
Both Nigerian clubs will be targeting positive starts as they chase qualification for the CAF Champions League group stage.
Shooting Stars, El Kanemi Discover Confederation Cup Opponents
Nigeria’s representatives in the CAF Confederation Cup also received difficult assignments during the draw.
NPFL third-place finishers Shooting Stars have been drawn against experienced Tunisian side CS Sfaxien in what promises to be one of the competition’s most competitive first-round ties.
The Ibadan-based club will host the first leg in Ikenne before travelling to Tunisia for the return encounter. The winner will advance to face either Amadou Diallo FC or East End Lions in the second preliminary round.
President Federation Cup holders El Kanemi Warriors will square off against União Desportiva Internacional de Bissau in their opening fixture.
The Maiduguri club will play the first leg between September 4 and 6 before the return leg from September 11 to 13. A successful outing would send El Kanemi Warriors into a second preliminary round meeting with Guinea-Bissau’s UDIB.
With the draw now complete, all four Nigerian clubs can begin preparations for their continental campaigns.