Nigeria’s representatives, Remo Stars and Rivers United, might be in motion this weekend because the 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League will get underway with 30 first-leg preliminary spherical fixtures throughout Africa.
Remo Stars, reigning Nigeria Premier Soccer League champions, are chasing a historic first-ever look within the group stage.
Regardless of their home dominance, the membership has by no means gone past the preliminaries in three consecutive makes an attempt, a report they’re decided to overturn this 12 months.
The Ikenne-based facet, admired for his or her slick, possession-driven model, open their marketing campaign in opposition to Comoros champions US Zilimadjou in Abeokuta on Saturday.
Each legs of the tie might be staged on the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta because of stadium challenges in Comoros, handing Remo a uncommon benefit.
A win would arrange a glamorous second-round conflict in opposition to South Africa’s powerhouse, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Rivers United start their journey away from residence in opposition to Aigles du Congo on the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa on Sunday.
The Port Harcourt membership, runners-up in final season’s NPFL, are keen to revive Nigerian delight on the continental stage.
No Nigerian group has reached the group part since Lobi Stars within the 2018/19 marketing campaign. Ought to Rivers progress, they might face both AC Léopards of Congo or Mozambique’s Black Bulls within the subsequent spherical.
Past Nigeria’s pursuits, the weekend serves up heavyweight clashes.
Zambia’s Energy Dynamos tackle Ivory Coast’s ASEC Mimosas, whereas Sierra Leone’s East Finish Lions meet Tunisia’s US Monastirienne. Ghana’s Bibiani Gold Stars additionally lock horns with Algeria’s JS Kabylie, a tie wealthy in pedigree and historical past.
The stakes are excessive: winners over two legs progress to October’s second preliminary spherical, the place continental giants equivalent to Al Ahly, Mamelodi Sundowns, and defending champions Pyramids FC of Egypt await.
The group stage begins November 21, main in the end to Africa’s most prestigious membership crown.
It has been greater than 20 years since Enyimba final lifted the CAF Champions League trophy in 2004.
For Remo Stars and Rivers United, the rapid aim is evident—safe a spot amongst Africa’s elite 16 golf equipment and reignite Nigeria’s long-lost continental glory.
The journey begins this weekend.
