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Nigeria’s representatives in the CAF Champions League, Rivers United, will discover their group-stage opponents when the draw holds on Monday in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced that the draw ceremony will take place at the SuperSport Studios, marking a major step in this year’s competition, which brings together the best 16 clubs across the continent.
So far, 15 clubs have already secured their passage to the group phase — the most lucrative stage of the tournament — while one final slot is still to be confirmed.
Rivers United booked their place in the group stage for the first time in their history after defeating Black Bulls of Mozambique 3–2 on aggregate in the second preliminary round.
The Pride of Rivers, coached by Finidi George, overturned a 1–0 first-leg defeat in Maputo by winning 3–1 in the return fixture in Port Harcourt, sealing a famous victory that earned them a spot among Africa’s elite.
The qualification represents a major milestone for the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side, which has consistently been one of the strongest domestic clubs in recent seasons. Football analysts have described their progress as a boost for Nigerian football, which has struggled for consistent representation in the advanced stages of continental competitions in recent years.
Rivers United will now await their fate in the group-stage draw, where they could face powerhouses such as Al Ahly (Egypt), Wydad Casablanca (Morocco), Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia), or Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa).
Club officials say preparations are ongoing to ensure the team is fully ready for the challenges ahead. The group stage is expected to kick off in November, with matches to be played on a home-and-away basis.
Meanwhile, CAF has confirmed that the draw will be broadcast live across Africa, allowing fans to follow the proceedings and build anticipation for what promises to be an exciting campaign.
With their maiden Champions League group-stage appearance on the horizon, Rivers United’s qualification marks another proud chapter in Nigerian club football and a renewed hope for continental success.