LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially confirmed Thursday, August 6, 2026, as the date when Nigerian clubs and other African teams will learn their first opponents in the Preliminary Round draws of the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.
The draws will take place at CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, marking the beginning of another continental campaign.
For Nigeria, the spotlight falls on Rangers International, Rivers United, Shooting Stars and El Kanemi Warriors, who will represent the country in Africa’s premier club competitions.
The announcement means these teams can finally prepare for specific challenges as they aim to reach the lucrative group stages.
The Confederation Cup draw is scheduled for 14h00 Cairo time (11h00 GMT), while the Champions League draw follows at 15h00 Cairo time (12h00 GMT).
Both events will be broadcast live on CAF TV, ensuring Nigerian supporters can follow the moment their clubs’ continental journeys officially begin.
CAF has also confirmed prize structures: Champions League winners will earn USD 6 million, while Confederation Cup champions will collect USD 4 million.
Clubs eliminated in the preliminary rounds will each receive USD 100,000 solidarity payments, part of CAF’s investment in supporting participants and strengthening engagement in its Interclub competitions.
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The preliminary rounds have historically produced memorable contests, pitting established giants against ambitious emerging clubs eager to make their mark.
Nigerian sides will be hoping to avoid tricky fixtures while also proving their strength against continental rivals.
South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns enter as defending Champions League winners, while Algeria’s USM Alger lifted last season’s Confederation Cup.
For Nigerian clubs, the draws represent both opportunity and challenge, as they seek to add their names to Africa’s growing list of champions.
