Three Nigerian clubs — Rangers, Rivers United, and Shooting Stars — will launch their continental campaigns in September 2026, following the release of the official match schedule for the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.

Preliminary rounds to open the campaign

The 2026/27 CAF interclub season gets under way with the first Preliminary Round scheduled for 4–6 September 2026, with first legs to be played across that window. The return legs follow from 11–13 September 2026.

A second Preliminary Round then takes place from 16–18 October 2026, with the decisive return fixtures set for 23–25 October 2026. Both competitions will move into the group phase by the end of November.

Which club goes where

Rangers and Rivers United will represent Nigeria in the CAF Champions League, the continent's elite club competition. Shooting Stars and the President Federation Cup winners have been assigned to the CAF Confederation Cup.

Prize money unchanged

The Confederation of African Football has confirmed that prize money levels remain the same as the previous season. The CAF Champions League winners will collect $6 million, while the CAF Confederation Cup champions will take home $4 million.

The schedule announcement sets the stage for what promises to be a demanding continental run for Nigerian football, with all three clubs needing to navigate the preliminary rounds before reaching the group stage.