Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) outfits Kwara United and Abia Warriors have been handed challenging fixtures in the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup following Saturday’s draw in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The competition, which features some of the continent’s most competitive teams, promises early tests for both sides.
Kwara United, winners of the Nigeria’s President Federation Cup, will open their campaign against Ghanaian powerhouse Asante Kotoko in the first preliminary round.
The Ilorin-based side face a tough task as Kotoko boast a rich continental pedigree. Should Kwara United progress, they will meet Morocco’s Wydad Athletic Club, one of Africa’s most decorated teams, in the next stage.
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Abia Warriors brace for historic debut
Meanwhile, Abia Warriors are set to make their first-ever appearance in the CAF Confederation Cup. The Umuahia outfit will face Djoliba AC of Mali in their debut match, with hopes of making a strong first impression. Djoliba, however, are no strangers to the competition and will be formidable opponents.
Victory for Abia Warriors would see them advance to play either Union Sportive des Forces Armées (USFA) of Burkina Faso or AS Gbohloe-su from Togo in the second preliminary round. These potential matchups add further intrigue to what is already a challenging path for the Nigerian newcomers.
The Confederation Cup preliminary rounds are set to kick off in September, giving both Nigerian sides little time to prepare for their continental adventures. The intensity of the fixtures will demand top form and mental toughness from the players and coaching staff alike.
Meanwhile, CAF has announced that participation fees for the Confederation Cup have been increased to $100,000 per team. This financial boost is expected to help clubs better prepare for the demanding travel schedules and matchday requirements that come with continental football.
Tags: CAF Confederation Cup, Kwara United, Abia Warriors, #CAFCC, #CAFCC26, Djoliba AC, Union Sportive des Forces Armées, USFA, AS Gbohloe-su, Asante Kotoko, Wydad Athletic Club.
