Nigerian champions Rangers have been drawn against Benin Republic club AS Sobemap in the first preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League.

Rangers will play the first leg at home in Ikenne between September 4 and 6 before travelling to Benin Republic for the second leg from September 11 to 13.

If they qualify, Rangers will face either ASN Nigelec of Niger Republic or Algerian giants MC Alger in the second preliminary round. Those matches are scheduled for October 16 to 18 and October 23 to 25.

Rivers United also face a difficult opening test after being paired with Ivorian side San Pedro in the first preliminary round.

If Finidi George’s team defeats San Pedro, they will meet either Uganda’s Vipers SC or Mauritania’s FC Nouadhibou in the second preliminary round.

The winners of the second preliminary round will qualify for the group stage of the CAF Champions League.

Enyimba remain the only Nigerian club to have won the CAF Champions League, lifting the trophy twice.