August 10, (THEWILL) – The preliminary round of Africa’s inter-club matches has been announced by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in Cairo, Egypt, during the draws for the 2022/2023 Confederations Cup and Champions League group stage qualifiers.
In the CAF Champions League, Rivers United of Nigeria will take on Watanga of Liberia. The victor of the game will compete for a spot in the group stage against the reigning champions Wydad Athletics. Plateau United, who finished second in the NPFL, will play Gabonese team AS Stade Mandji for a chance to play Tunisian team Esperance in the group stage.
As for the Confederation Cup representatives Remo Stars and Kwara United, the draw pitted them against ASFAR of Morocco and AS Douanes of Niger, respectively.
For a spot in the group stage, the victor of Remo Stars vs. ASFAR will compete against the reigning Confederation Cup champion RSB Berkane. The winner of the tie between Kwara United and AS Douanes will play the winner of the match between Nouakchott CS from Mauritania and AAGBS from Guinea.
On September 9th, the preliminary phase is scheduled to commence and with the financial and moral backing of Rivers State governor Nyesom Wike, Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions Rivers United are expected to give Nigeria a good chance at lifting the continental title once more.
