Rangers Draw AS Sobemap, Rivers United Face San Pedro In CAF Champions League

Nigerian champions Rangers have been drawn against Benin Republic’s AS Sobemap in the first preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League.

The Flying Antelopes will host the first leg in Ikenne between September 4–6, before travelling to Benin for the return fixture on September 11–13.

Should Rangers advance, they will face either Niger Republic’s ASN Nigelec or Algerian powerhouse MC Alger in the second preliminary round, scheduled for October 16–18 and October 23–25.

Rivers United also face a tough start after being paired with Côte d’Ivoire’s San Pedro in the opening round. If Finidi George’s side eliminate San Pedro, they will take on either Uganda’s Vipers SC or Mauritania’s FC Nouadhibou in the second preliminary round.

The winners of the second preliminary round will progress to the group stage of the competition. Enyimba remain Nigeria’s only CAF Champions League winners, having lifted the trophy twice.