2026/2027 CAF Inter-Club Draws: Rivers United, 3SC Handed Tough West African, North African Tests

Posted : 07 August 2026

Nigeria’s four representatives in the 2026/27 CAF inter-club competitions face demanding assignments after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) conducted the preliminary round draws on Friday.

Rivers United and Rangers International, Nigeria’s representatives in the CAF Champions League, were handed different West African opponents, while Shooting Stars and El-Kanemi Warriors will begin their CAF Confederation Cup campaigns against clubs from Tunisia and Guinea-Bissau, respectively.

NPFL runners-up Rivers United will confront Ivorian side FC San Pédro in the CAF Champions League first preliminary round.

The Pride of Rivers will host the opening leg between Sept. 4 and 6 before travelling to Côte d’Ivoire for the return encounter scheduled between Sept. 11 and 13.

The aggregate winner will advance to the second preliminary round, where they will meet the winner between Vipers of Uganda and FC Nouadhibou of Mauritania.

NPFL champions Rangers International will also face a West African challenge, with the Enugu-based club drawn against AS Sobemap of Benin Republic.

The Flying Antelopes will play the first leg in Ikenne between Sept. 4 and 6, with the return leg scheduled in Benin Republic between Sept. 11 and 13.

A successful Rangers side will then face either Nigelec of Niger Republic or Algerian giants MC Alger in the second preliminary round.

In the CAF Confederation Cup, Shooting Stars have arguably received one of the most demanding assignments among the Nigerian clubs after being paired with Tunisian powerhouse CS Sfaxien.

The Oluyole Warriors will have home advantage in the first leg in Ikenne between Sept. 4 and 6 before travelling to Tunisia for the return leg between Sept. 11 and 13.

The winner will progress to face either Amadou Diallo or East End Lions in the next round.

President Federation Cup champions El-Kanemi Warriors, meanwhile, will take on União Desportiva Internacional de Bissau of Guinea-Bissau.

The Maiduguri-based side will host the first leg between Sept. 4 and 6 before travelling for the return fixture between Sept. 11 and 13.

Qualification would set up a second-round meeting with UDIB of Guinea-Bissau.

The draws have now provided the four Nigerian clubs with a clear picture of the task ahead, with preparations expected to intensify before the first legs in September.

For Rivers United, Rangers, Shooting Stars and El-Kanemi Warriors, negotiating the preliminary rounds will be crucial not only to their respective continental ambitions but also to Nigeria’s quest to maintain a strong presence in African club football.

2026/2027 CAF Inter-Club Draws: Rivers United, 3SC Handed Tough West African, North African Tests

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