The African football landscape is set for another electrifying season as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially revealed the group stage draw for the 2025/26 CAF Champions League. The much-anticipated ceremony has set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling continental competition.
Nigerian Clubs Learn Their Fate
Nigeria's representatives, Enyimba FC and Remo Stars, now know the challenging path ahead as they aim to make their mark on the continental stage. The draw has placed both clubs in competitive groups that will test their mettle against some of Africa's football giants.
Group Stage Breakdown
The tournament features four groups of four teams each, with the top two from each group advancing to the knockout stages. The groups are structured as follows:
Group A
Enyimba FC (Nigeria) finds themselves in a tough Group A alongside Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly, Tanzania's Young Africans, and ASEC Mimosas from Côte d'Ivoire. This group promises intense football action with multiple former champions battling for qualification.
Group B
Remo Stars, making their debut appearance, will face South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns, TP Mazembe from DR Congo, and Algeria's CR Belouizdad. The Nigerian newcomers have drawn one of the most challenging groups in the competition.
Groups C & D
The remaining groups feature other continental heavyweights, with Group C including Wydad Casablanca, Simba SC, Petro de Luanda, and AS Vita Club. Group D comprises Esperance de Tunis, Raja Casablanca, Zamalek, and Jwaneng Galaxy.
Tournament Format and Schedule
The group stage matches are scheduled to kick off in October 2025, with the final round of group games concluding in December 2025. The quarter-finals are set for February 2026, followed by the semi-finals in March 2026, culminating in the two-legged final in May 2026.
What makes this season particularly exciting? The return of Nigerian clubs to the group stages after recent absences adds extra anticipation for football fans across the nation. Both Enyimba and Remo Stars carry the hopes of Nigerian football as they seek to make deep runs in Africa's premier club competition.
What to Watch For
- Enyimba's experience against continental veterans Al Ahly
- Remo Stars' debut campaign against established African clubs
- The battle between North African and Sub-Saharan African football styles
- Emerging talents looking to make their mark on the continental stage
The stage is now set for what promises to be another unforgettable chapter in African football history. Nigerian fans will be eagerly watching as their clubs embark on their continental journeys, hoping for strong performances that could restore Nigeria's position as a football powerhouse in Africa.
