Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions Remo Stars have discovered their first hurdle in the CAF Champions League after the draw placed them against US Zilimadjou of Comoros.
The opening clash of the preliminary round will see the Ikenne-based side host the first leg at the Remo Stars Stadium in September.
This matchup represents a crucial opportunity for the Sky Blue Stars to make a strong statement in Africa’s premier club competition. However, progression will set up an even greater challenge – a second-round tie against South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns, a club with significant continental pedigree.
Rivers United set for clash with DR Congo’s best
Meanwhile, Rivers United will take on the reigning champions of the Democratic Republic of Congo in their opening preliminary fixture. The Port Harcourt-based side, coached by Finidi George, will be aiming to build momentum early in the competition. Yet, victory in this tie would bring another difficult assignment.
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If they advance, Rivers United will face either AC Leopards of the Republic of Congo or Mozambique’s Black Bulls in the second preliminary round. Both potential opponents have shown competitive strength in recent seasons, promising no easy route forward.
According to CAF’s schedule, first-leg games of the preliminary round are set between September 19 and 21. Meanwhile, return legs will take place from September 26 to 28, 2025.
The second preliminary round will then follow less than a month later. It will run between October 17 and 19 for the first legs and October 24 to 26 for the second legs.
Tags: Remo Stars, Sky Blue Stars, US Zilimadjou, Rivers United, CAF Champions League, #CAFCL, Mamelodi Sundowns, AC Leopards, Black Bulls.
