Nigerian clubs Rangers and Rivers United are set to kickstart their continental campaign in the CAF Champions League. Rangers, who recently won the Nigeria Premier Football League title, have been drawn against AS Sobemap of Benin Republic, while Rivers United will face Ivorian side San Pedro. Rangers will host AS Sobemap at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne for the first leg, before traveling to Benin for the return fixture. This will be a historic campaign for both teams as they aim to progress further in the competition.

AS Sobemap, on the other hand, are making their continental debut after winning their first-ever league title in Benin Republic last season. Should Rangers progress, they will face the winner between ASN Nigelec of Niger Republic and Algerian giants MC Alger in the second qualifying round, with a place in the group stage at stake.

Rivers United, who secured their first league title in Nigeria, will begin their campaign away from home against San Pedro before hosting the Ivorian side in the return leg. San Pedro secured their first league title in Ivory Coast last season and will be hoping to carry that form into their continental campaign.

If Rivers United advance, they will meet either Uganda’s Vipers or FC Nouadhibou of Mauritania in the next qualifying round for a place in the group stage. The first-leg fixtures are scheduled for September 4 to 6, while the return legs will take place from September 11 to 13. The four Nigerian clubs will now begin preparations for their respective continental campaigns, with the first qualifying ties scheduled for September. Nigeria has not had multiple clubs feature in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup in the same season since the 2019/20 campaign, when Enyimba and Rangers represented the country.

Rangers and Rivers United are expected to face stiff competition in their respective groups, but both teams are confident of making a positive impact. The Nigerian clubs will look to leverage their domestic titles to gain an edge in the continental competition.

As the competition unfolds, Nigerian football fans will be anxiously waiting to see how their clubs fare in the CAF Champions League. With both Rangers and Rivers United aiming to make a splash, it's clear that Nigerian football is ready to take on the best on the continent.

CAF Champions League Draw Highlights

  • Rangers will face AS Sobemap of Benin Republic.
  • Rivers United will face Ivorian side San Pedro.
  • The first-leg fixtures are scheduled for September 4 to 6.
  • The return legs will take place from September 11 to 13.
  • Nigeria has not had multiple clubs feature in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup in the same season since the 2019/20 campaign.