The initial qualifying round of Africa’s top club tournament, the CAF Champions League, commences this week with a lineup of 27 matches scheduled from 19th to 21st September 2025. NPFL champions Remo Stars will begin their journey against Zilimadjou, while Rivers United heads to DR Congo to compete against JSK.
The quest to be crowned the champions of Africa starts this weekend, as the 2025-26 CAF Champions League first qualifying round presents us with 27 matches from various regions of the continent within a 72-hour timeframe.
On Saturday, all eyes will be on Rivers United, who will launch their campaign with a visit to Stade des Martyrs to challenge Linafoot champions JSK, who secured their first national championship title last season.
Rivers United finished as the runners-up in the Nigeria Premier Football League for the second consecutive season last term, but they have made a strong start in the 2025-26 season, remaining unbeaten after five league matches, following a 1-0 win over Shooting Stars last week.
Remo Stars have yet to participate in the main draw of Africa’s leading club competition, and their latest effort kicks off on Sunday when they take on Comoros Premier League side Zilimadjou.
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Importantly, as their home ground in Ikenne is currently under renovation, Remo Stars will host their continental matches at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, which is also the home of fellow NPFL team Kwara United.
The Sky Blue Stars were active during the offseason, acquiring players to enhance their prospects of achieving success in the CAF Champions League. Among the most significant signings are Malian players Chaka Coulibaly and Adama Goita, along with Benin international Jerome Bonou.
Another advantage for Remo could be the selection of seven of their players for the national team in the recent African Nations Championship, where, despite not making a significant impact, the experience gained against other home-based players would have been invaluable.
