Nigeria Premier Football League Champions Remo stars and runners up Rivers United face challenging routes in the group stage of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League.
Rivers United will first navigate their opening tie with a club from DR Congo Linafoot League which is yet to be concluded before a potential clash with either Congo’s AC Leopards or Mozambique’s Black Bulls.
The Port Harcourt club, regular campaigners in CAF competitions, are aiming for a return to the group stage.
Remo Stars, meanwhile, must overcome US Zilimadjou of Comoros in their first round fixture to earn a meeting with South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns one of the tournament’s favourites and 2016 winners.
Remo Stars lifts NPFL 2024/2025 title ahead of Rivers United. Photo Credit; X
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The second preliminary round is scheduled between 17 and 26 October, with winners advancing to the lucrative group stage beginning 21 November.
The 2025/26 CAF Interclub season will run until May 2026, when the finals are staged.
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CAF has doubled participation fees for the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup to $100,000 (₦152.9m) per team, meaning Nigerian clubs Rivers United and Remo Stars are already assured of a significant financial boost for their continental campaigns.
