Nigeria’s representatives in the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup, El Kanemi Warriors and Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), have discovered their potential opponents following the release of the second preliminary round fixtures by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The draw, released by CAF ahead of the new continental club season, pits El Kanemi Warriors against either UDIB of Equatorial Guinea or Raja Club Athletic of Morocco, while Shooting Stars will face either East End Lions of Sierra Leone or CS Sfaxien of Tunisia. Blueprint reports

The second preliminary round matches are scheduled to be played over two legs between October 16 to 18 and October 23 to 25, with the winners advancing to the lucrative group stage of Africa’s second-tier club competition.

El Kanemi face difficult path

For Nigeria Federation Cup champions El Kanemi Warriors, the draw presents a challenging route to the group phase.

The Maiduguri-based side must first negotiate their opening hurdle before a possible encounter with Moroccan giants Raja Club Athletic, one of the most successful clubs in African football.

However, Raja must first overcome UDIB of Equatorial Guinea to set up the potential clash.

Should El Kanemi progress, they will be aiming to make a strong impression on their return to continental football and continue Nigeria’s proud tradition in CAF inter-club competitions.

Ibadan giants Shooting Stars also face a demanding assignment in the second preliminary round.

The Oluyole Warriors have been drawn against the winner of the tie between East End Lions of Sierra Leone and Tunisian powerhouse CS Sfaxien.

CS Sfaxien are among the most experienced clubs in African club football, having won the CAF Confederation Cup on multiple occasions, making them one of the toughest possible opponents in the draw.

Nevertheless, Shooting Stars will be hoping to use their rich continental pedigree to navigate the challenge and secure a place in the group stage.

Continental ambitions

Both Nigerian clubs will be seeking to restore the country’s prominence in CAF inter-club competitions after recent seasons of mixed fortunes.

Qualification for the group stage would not only boost the clubs’ continental ambitions but also improve Nigeria’s standing in CAF’s club coefficient rankings.

The Confederation Cup remains one of Africa’s premier club competitions, attracting top teams from across the continent in the battle for continental honours.

Other notable fixtures

Elsewhere in the draw, Sudan’s Al Ahly Madani will face either Kenya’s Tusker FC or South Sudan’s Al Ghazala SC Wau, while Mali’s AS Real de Bamako could meet either ES Zarzis of Tunisia or Diambars FC of Senegal.

Former African champions Kaizer Chiefs of South Africa have been paired with either Zambia’s Red Arrows or FC Rouge.

Morocco’s CR Belouizdad will await the winner between AS Douanes and Hafia FC, while Algeria’s USM Alger could face either The Panthers FC or ASPAC FC.

Other intriguing fixtures include AS FAR of Morocco against the winner of AS Pisi and CO Korhogo, while Libya’s Al Ahly Tripoli will meet either Al Hilal Alsahil or Welwalo Adigrat.

Countdown begins

With the fixtures now confirmed, participating clubs will intensify preparations ahead of the opening rounds of the competition.

For El Kanemi Warriors and Shooting Stars, the objective will be to overcome the early hurdles and secure places in the group stage, where they will aim to challenge for continental glory.

Nigerian football fans will also be hoping both clubs can produce strong performances to enhance the country’s reputation in African club football and keep alive hopes of another successful continental campaign.