Remo Stars, Rivers United set to represent Nigeria

Remo Stars and Rivers United are poised to represent Nigeria in the upcoming 2025/2026 CAF Champions League, according to the latest qualifying updates compiled by Agence France-Presse and reported by The Guardian.

Nigeria, ranked among the top 12 African footballing nations by CAF, retains its right to two slots in the premier continental competition. As it stands, Remo Stars and Rivers United are in pole position to fill those berths, having emerged as front-runners in domestic competitions.

The CAF Champions League remains Africa’s flagship club tournament, and qualification is fiercely contested across the continent. The Guardian reports that the list of qualifiers is drawn from domestic league performances and structured mini-leagues in certain countries, with countries like Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, South Africa, and Nigeria enjoying the privilege of nominating two clubs.

In Algeria, Mouloudia Alger lead the race ahead of JS Kabylie and Chabab Belouizdad, while in Egypt, defending champions Al Ahly and Pyramids have already secured their places. Morocco is sending Renaissance Berkane and FAR Rabat. South Africa will be represented by Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.

For Nigeria, Remo Stars and Rivers United have maintained consistent performances in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), with both clubs previously making appearances in continental competitions. Rivers United, the 2022 NPFL champions, are seeking to reassert themselves on the continental stage, while Remo Stars continue to build a reputation as a rising force in Nigerian football.

The Guardian reports that in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Maniema Union hold a three-point lead over JS Kinshasa, while in neighbouring Congo Brazzaville, Etoile and V Club Mokanda are leading the two-group championship format. Meanwhile, in Ghana, Bibiani Gold Stars are ahead of Nations FC on head-to-head results.

Elsewhere, Horoya lead Hafia by six points in Guinea, and Stade Abidjan and ASEC Mimosas have secured the Ivorian tickets. Kenyan side Police FC hold a six-point lead over Gor Mahia, and in Zambia, Power Dynamos are set to return to continental football.

From countries with a single representative, Real Banjul are the leading contenders in Gambia, while East End Lions are seven points clear in Sierra Leone. Cape Verde, São Tomé e Príncipe, and Equatorial Guinea are determining their representatives through mini-league formats.

Nigeria’s entries will join a crowded and competitive field, with clubs from 54 African nations expected to participate. The final list of qualifiers will be confirmed by CAF in the coming weeks, with preliminary fixtures for the 2025/2026 campaign set to commence later this year.