CAF Champions League Draws Rangers, Rivers United Against New Opponents
Rangers will face AS Sobemap, Rivers United will play FC San Pedro in the first preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League, with both Nigerian clubs targeting progress to the group stage.
Nigerian champions Rangers International have been drawn against Benin Republic side AS Sobemap in the first preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League, while Rivers United will face Ivorian club FC San Pedro.
The draw was conducted in Cairo, Egypt, with 61 clubs entering this season's competition. The three highest-ranked sides, Mamelodi Sundowns, Esperance de Tunis, RS Berkane, received byes into the second preliminary round.
Rangers, who won the 2025/26 NPFL title, will advance to face either MC Alger of Algeria or ASN Nigelec of Niger in the second preliminary round if they overcome AS Sobemap. Rivers United, meanwhile, will meet either Vipers SC or FC Nouadhibou should they defeat FC San Pedro.
Both Nigerian clubs featured in last season's Champions League but failed to progress beyond the group stage. They will be seeking stronger campaigns this season as they attempt to end Nigeria's wait for another continental title.
The preliminary rounds are scheduled to take place between September 4, October 25, with the group stage expected to begin in November.
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