Nigeria’s hopes within the 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup relaxation on Kwara United and Abia Warriors, who each face difficult away assignments because the competitors begins this weekend with 26 preliminary spherical first-leg fixtures throughout the continent.
Kwara United, winners of the Nigeria Federation Cup, open their marketing campaign in Kumasi in opposition to Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko, a possible explosive match is anticipated given the rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana.
With two CAF Champions League titles and a passionate fan base behind them, Kotoko enter as favorites.
However Kwara’s disciplined, athletic squad might be aiming to grab an important away consequence earlier than internet hosting the return leg in Abeokuta.
Debutants Abia Warriors are additionally on the highway, making their first-ever continental look in Ouagadougou in opposition to Burkina Faso’s USFA.
The Umuahia-based aspect, identified for his or her sharp counterattacks, are decided to make a press release of their maiden outing.
Victory would probably arrange a frightening second-round conflict with Mali’s powerhouse, Djoliba AC.
Past Nigeria’s pursuits, the preliminary spherical provides a number of attractive fixtures. Senegal’s Génération Foot tackle Ivory Coast’s Amadou Diallo FC, whereas Guinea’s Hafia FC face Bhantal FC. In East Africa,
Tanzania’s Azam FC meet Zanzibar’s KMKM SC in a regional derby, and in Southern Africa, Zambia’s Zesco United check Malawi’s Mighty Wanderers.
DR Congo’s representatives lock horns with Angola’s Kabuscorp de Palanca for the precise to problem South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs within the subsequent spherical.
First-leg video games run from 19–21 September, with return fixtures scheduled per week later.
Winners advance to the second preliminary spherical in October, the place group-stage locations – and profitable publicity – await.
Six seeded golf equipment, together with Wydad AC, USM Alger, CR Belouizdad, Zamalek, Al Masry, and Stellenbosch, acquired byes to the following part, underscoring the dimensions of the problem forward.
For Kwara United and Abia Warriors, the mission is obvious: Break Nigeria’s long-standing jinx within the CAF Confederation Cup and push in the direction of group-stage soccer.
Whether or not they can rise to the event stays to be seen.
