Tough South African challenge awaits Nigerian champions as Remo Stars, Rivers United know CAFCL fate

Remo Stars will launch their third CAF Champions League campaign against Comoros outfit US Zilimadjou after Saturday’s preliminary round draw in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Soccernet.ng reports.

Rivers United, Nigeria’s other representative in the competition, will take on the champions of DR Congo, who are yet to be determined.

The draw, conducted at Azam Media Studios, featured a record 62 elite teams from across the continent, all vying for a place in African club football’s most prestigious tournament.

2025 NPFL: Remo Stars FC (Sky Blues Stars vs Niger Tornadoes. Photo Credit: Remo Stars X

Remo Stars, crowned Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions last season, are hoping to break new ground after falling at the first hurdle in their two previous appearances. First private club to win the NPFL title in 25 years, Remo Stars will look to repeat that feat on the continental stage.  

The draw for the preliminary round of the #CAFCL has been made!

We will be facing US Zilimadjou #WeAreRemoStars pic.twitter.com/yXMCOuDUnc

— Remo Stars Sports Club (@RemoStarsSC) August 9, 2025

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The Sky Blues Stars have strengthened their squad with the acquisition of veteran striker Victor Mbaoma, a CAF Champions League veteran with Enyimba and Rwanda’s APR.

Victor Mbaoma has signed a two year deal with the Sky Blue Stars. #MbaomaIsBack | #WeAreRemoStars pic.twitter.com/GGmrcqA1KH

— Remo Stars Sports Club (@RemoStarsSC) August 9, 2025

The two-legged preliminary ties will be contested between 19–21 September and 26–28 September 2025. Victors will progress to the Second Preliminary Round scheduled for 17–19 October, with the return legs a week later.

Should Remo Stars advance, they will meet South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns, who received a bye to the next stage. Former CAF Champions League winners, Sundowns impressed at the expanded FIFA Club World Cup esrlier this summer.

Lobi during the Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL matches between Lobi Stars and Rivers United at Lafia Township Stadium. Photo by IMAGO

Rivers United, runners-up in the 2024/25 NPFL, will also be targeting a spot in the lucrative group stage. The Port Harcourt-based club is managed by former Super Eagles head coach Finidi George.

Former Super Eagles head coach and Rivers United boss Finidi George. Photo by IMAGO

Both Remo Stars and Rivers United know that clearing the early rounds is essential to joining Africa’s elite and unlocking the financial rewards the group phase brings.

No Nigerian club has won the CAF Champions League since Enyimba's back-to-back triumphs in the early 2000s.