Nigerian champions Rangers have been handed a challenging first-round assignment in the 2026/27 CAF Champions League, drawing Benin Republic's AS Sobemap in the opening preliminary round.

The Flying Antelopes will host the first leg at home before making the trip to Benin Republic for the return fixture. Should they progress, Rangers would then meet either Niger Republic's ASN Nigelec or Algerian powerhouse MC Alger in the second preliminary round.

Fellow Nigerian club Rivers United face an equally demanding path, having been paired with Côte d'Ivoire's San Pedro at the same stage. manager Finidi George's side would take on either Uganda's Vipers SC or Mauritania's FC Nouadhibou in the second preliminary round, provided they eliminate San Pedro first.

Fixture dates confirmed

The opening preliminary round first legs are scheduled for September 4–6, with the return fixtures taking place September 11–13, 2026. The second preliminary round first legs follow on October 16–18, with returns set for October 23–25, 2026.

Clubs that come through the second preliminary round will advance directly into the CAF Champions League group stage.

Nigeria's continental record

Enyimba remain the only Nigerian club to have claimed the CAF Champions League title, winning the competition twice. Both Rangers and Rivers United will be eager to keep the country's continental ambitions alive as they navigate a demanding route to the group stage.