Nigeria’s quartet of continental hopefuls – Remo Stars, Rivers United, Abia Warriors, and Kwara United – will know their first opponents in the 2025/2026 CAF Interclub Competitions when the preliminary draw is conducted on August 12, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
This marks a pivotal moment for the country’s representatives as they gear up to fly the Nigerian flag in Africa’s premier club tournaments – the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup.
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Remo Stars Eye Historic Champions League Run
Reigning Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions, Remo Stars, will make another bold attempt in the CAF Champions League after clinching their maiden NPFL title. Following their narrow exit in previous editions, the Sky Blue Stars are determined to rewrite history with a deeper continental run.
Rivers United, Abia Warriors, Kwara United Head to Confederation Cup
Rivers United, NPFL runners-up, return to the CAF Confederation Cup aiming to replicate or surpass their 2022 quarterfinal feat. Meanwhile, Abia Warriors – fresh off their best-ever NPFL finish (3rd place) – will be making a debut appearance on the continental stage, eager to announce themselves to African audiences.
Kwara United, who sealed their ticket by lifting the 2025 President Federation Cup, also return to the Confederation Cup after a brief hiatus, bringing with them renewed ambition and the backing of their passionate Ilorin fan base.
CAF Releases Full Calendar
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has outlined the complete schedule for the new season:
First Preliminary Round: Sept 19–21 (first leg), Sept 26–28 (return leg)
Second Preliminary Round: Oct 17–19 (first leg), Oct 24–26 (return leg)
Group Stage (6 Matchdays): Begins Nov 21, 2025, and runs through Feb 15, 2026
Knockout Phase: Quarterfinals in March 2026, Semifinals in April, with the Final set between May 8–24, 2026
CAF also announced registration windows for the various phases, starting August 1 for preliminary round entries.
Eyes on Nigeria’s Continental Reputation
Nigeria will be hoping that all four clubs go beyond the early rounds to restore the nation’s dominance on the African scene, especially after a run of underwhelming performances in recent seasons. For newcomers Abia Warriors and returning sides like Kwara United, the challenge lies in balancing domestic demands with the intensity of continental football.
With the draw looming and preparations intensifying, all eyes now shift to Dar es Salaam on August 12 – a date that could shape the trajectory of Nigeria’s continental campaign.
