CAF Champions League: Rangers, Rivers United handed tough preliminary round ties

Nigerian champions, Rangers, will begin their CAF Champions League campaign with a first preliminary round clash against AS Sobemap of Benin Republic, DAILY POST reports. The Flying Antelopes will host the first leg before travelling away for the reverse fixture. Should Rangers progress, they will face either Niger Republic’s ASN Nigelec or Algerian giants MC Alger in the second preliminary round. Rivers United were handed a tricky first preliminary round test against Cote d'Ivoire's San Pedro. Finidi George's side will meet either Uganda’s Vipers or Mauritania’s FC Nouadhibou for a place in the group stage if they overcome San Pedro. The first-leg matches of the opening preliminary round are scheduled to take place between September 4 and 6, while the return fixtures will be played between September 11 and 13, 2026. The second preliminary round is scheduled for 16-18 October (first legs), with the return fixtures taking place between 23-25 October, 2026.