AFCON 2025
Nigeria’s representatives in the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup have been handed tricky opening assignments following the draw for the first preliminary round.
Abia Warriors, making their debut on the continental stage after an impressive third-place finish in the NPFL, will face Malian giants Djoliba AC in what promises to be a stern test for the Umuahia-based side.
Kwara United, winners of the 2025 Federation Cup, have been drawn against Ghanaian powerhouse Asante Kotoko in a clash that rekindles the long-standing Nigeria–Ghana football rivalry.
Remo Stars have also been drawn to face US Zilmadjou from Comoros.
The first legs of the fixtures will take place between September 19 and 21, with the return legs scheduled for September 26 to 28.
Victory for Abia Warriors would set up a second-round tie against either USFA of Burkina Faso or AS Gbohloe-su of Togo. Kwara United, if successful, would face the daunting challenge of Moroccan heavyweights Wydad Casablanca for a place in the group stage while Remo Stars will face South African giants, Mamelodi Sundowns if they emerge victorious in their fixture.
With the stakes high and the path to the lucrative group phase already mapped out, both Nigerian sides will need to be at their very best to keep the country’s flag flying in Africa’s second-tier club competition.
