Abia Warriors and Kwara United will make their CAF Confederation Cup debuts this season after landmark achievements in Nigerian football.
The draws, released by CAF, pit Kwara United against Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko in the first preliminary round, with the winners facing Moroccan powerhouse Wydad Casablanca.
Abia Warriors will meet Mali’s Djoiiba in the first Preliminary round and will face either Burkina Faso’s USFA or Togo’s AS Gbohloe-su in the second round
Abia Warriors, led by coach Imama Amapakabo, secured an unprecedented third-place finish in the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League the highest in the club’s history.
Coach Imama Amapakabo will lead Abia Warriors to their first ever continental match.Photo Credit: X
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They ended with 18 wins, 6 draws, and 14 defeats, collecting 60 points.
Kwara United claimed the 2025 President Federation Cup after edging Abakaliki FC 4–3 on penalties in Lagos, their first national trophy since 1976, and becoming the 33rd different side to win the title.
Kwara United celebrating their FA cup title in Lagos. Photo Credit: X
The 2025/26 CAF Interclub season begins mid-September, with second round ties scheduled for 17–26 October. Group stage action kicks off on 21 November, and the finals are due in May 2026.
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CAF has doubled participation fees for both the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup to $100,000 (₦152.9m) per team, meaning Nigerian representatives Remo Stars, Rivers United, Abia Warriors, and Kwara United are all guaranteed a significant boost before a ball is kicked.
