Nigeria’s quest for continental glory begins this weekend as Remo Stars, Rivers United, Abia Warriors, and Kwara United take centre stage in the 2025/26 CAF Interclub competitions

NPFL champions Remo Stars look to have the easier path, opening their CAF Champions League campaign against Comoros champions US Zilimadjou at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta, on Sunday. The return leg will also be played at the same venue next Friday.

Rivers United, Nigeria’s most consistent continental campaigners in recent years, face a tougher assignment. They travel to Kinshasa on Saturday for a first-leg clash with FC Les Aigles du Congo before hosting the reverse fixture at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, next weekend.

In the CAF Confederation Cup, debutants Abia Warriors will mark their continental journey on Sunday when they take on Mali’s Djoliba AC in Uyo. Kwara United, fresh from their Federation Cup triumph, will also be in action the same day, squaring off against Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Victorious teams will advance to the Second Preliminary Round scheduled for October 17–19 (first leg) and October 24–26 (second leg). The group stage for both competitions kicks off on November 21, with the knockout rounds beginning on March 13, 2026.

In a bid to support clubs, CAF has announced that teams eliminated in the first two preliminary rounds will each receive USD 100,000 to help cover logistical expenses.

This Weekend’s Fixtures (Nigerian Time):

CAF Champions League

Saturday: FC Les Aigles du Congo (DR Congo) vs Rivers United – 3:30pm

Sunday: Remo Stars vs. US Zilimadjou (Comoros) – 4:00pm

CAF Confederation Cup

Sunday: Asante Kotoko (Ghana) vs. Kwara United – 4pm

Sunday: Abia Warriors vs Djoliba AC (Mali) – 4pm