CAF Champions League: Rangers, Rivers United Face Tough Road to Group Stage
Enugu Rangers and Rivers United have discovered their opponents in the 2026/27 CAF Champions League preliminary round, with both Nigerian clubs facing a two-stage route to the group phase.
Enugu Rangers will battle AS Sobemap of Benin Republic, while Rivers United have been drawn against FC San Pedro of Côte d’Ivoire as Nigeria’s representatives begin their continental campaigns.
The preliminary-round first legs are scheduled for September 19–21, 2026, with the return fixtures to follow between September 26 and 28.
Rangers will open their tie against AS Sobemap, with the Nigerian side seeking a strong first-leg result before the return encounter.
Rivers United, meanwhile, face an away test against FC San Pedro in the opening leg before welcoming the Ivorian club for the decisive second meeting.
However, winning their preliminary-round ties will only be the first step for both Nigerian clubs, with another challenging hurdle awaiting them in the next round.
Rangers’ Route to the Group Stage
If Rangers eliminate AS Sobemap, they will face either ASN Nigelec of Niger Republic or Algerian giants MC Alger in the next round.
Victory over the eventual second-round opponent would earn Rangers a place in the CAF Champions League group stage.
Rivers United’s Route to the Group Stage
Rivers United will face either Uganda’s Vipers SC or FC Nouadhibou of Mauritania if they overcome FC San Pedro.
The winner of that second-round tie will advance to the group stage of the competition.
CAF Champions League: Nigerian Clubs’ Fixtures at a Glance
Enugu Rangers vs AS Sobemap First leg: September 19–21Second leg: September 26–28Potential second-round opponent: ASN Nigelec / MC Alger
FC San Pedro vs Rivers United First leg: September 19–21Second leg: September 26–28Potential second-round opponent: Vipers SC / FC Nouadhibou
Both Rangers and Rivers United will be aiming to navigate the preliminary round and subsequently overcome their potential second-round opponents as they seek to keep Nigeria represented in the group stage of Africa’s premier club competition.
