Shooting Stars defender Damilola Adelowo is banking on faith and determination as the Oluyole Warriors prepare for a decisive CAF Confederation Cup clash against CS Sfaxien, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Ibadan-based club will take a narrow 1-0 lead into Sunday’s second-leg meeting with the Tunisian giants at the Stade Taieb Mhiri in Sfax.

Salisu Yusuf’s side secured the advantage in the first leg and will now need to avoid defeat in Tunisia to progress to the next stage of the competition.

Adelowo and his teammates arrived in Sfax on Wednesday and have continued preparations for what promises to be a demanding encounter.

The defender remains confident that Shooting Stars can complete the job away from home and return to Nigeria with another positive result.

“Tunisia, be good to us!” Adelowo wrote on X.

“We pray that this land favours us, that God goes before us, and that our CAF second-leg match ends in victory.

“May grace speak for us, may favour locate us, and may we return home with joy.”

Shooting Stars will be hoping their first-leg advantage proves enough to see them through, as they aim to continue their continental campaign and make a strong statement against the experienced Tunisian outfit.

El-Kanemi Warriors made a commanding start to their 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau side União Desportiva Internacional de Bissau (UDIB) in the first leg of their first qualifying-round tie, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Maiduguri-based club produced a dominant second-half display at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, scoring all three goals after the restart.

Nnamdi Mejuobi opened the scoring in the 52nd minute before extending El-Kanemi Warriors’ advantage just four minutes later from the penalty spot.

Dayo Wahab completed the rout in the 87th minute, putting the Nigerian side in a commanding position ahead of the return leg.

The 3-0 victory gives El-Kanemi Warriors a significant advantage in the tie, but they will need to maintain their focus when they travel to Guinea-Bissau for the second leg.

The return fixture is scheduled for September 13, 2026, in Bissau, with El-Kanemi Warriors aiming to finish the job and secure their place in the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup.

Shooting Stars head coach Salisu Yusuf has warned his players to expect an even tougher battle in Tunisia after the Oluyole Warriors secured a narrow 1-0 victory over CS Sfaxien in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup tie, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigerian side produced a disciplined defensive display to protect their slender advantage, with Yusuf praising his players for frustrating the Tunisian giants while admitting that the hosts had enough opportunities to win by a more convincing margin.

“CS Sfaxien are a tactical side. They tried to survive with long balls, but they could not break our defence. We took advantage of our opportunity, scored the only goal and were able to defend it,” Yusuf said.

The coach was, however, disappointed by the number of chances Shooting Stars failed to convert, insisting that the game could have been put beyond CS Sfaxien before the final whistle.

“We would have scored two or three goals in this game, but we lost many chances,” he added.

Yusuf expects CS Sfaxien to approach the second leg with greater intensity but believes his team will also be ready for the challenge when they travel to Tunisia.

“They fought here, and we are going to fight them too. We are not going to play the same way we played here,” he said.

The Shooting Stars boss also pointed to a noticeable difference between his team’s performance in the first and second halves, with the hosts producing their most organised display before the break.

“In the first half, 3SC played a very coordinated game. Tactically, we were more technical in the first half than in the second half,” Yusuf explained.

CS Sfaxien increased the pressure after the interval, forcing Shooting Stars into a more defensive posture. Yusuf acknowledged the pressure but stressed that protecting their advantage would be crucial in the return fixture, particularly if his team fails to score.

“The Tunisians pushed us too much. If we can't score goals in Tunisia, we need to protect our goal line,” Yusuf said.

With only one goal separating the two sides, Yusuf knows the return leg could be a completely different proposition.

“It’s going to be a real game in Tunisia,” he warned.

Shooting Stars captain Ismail Ghali Falke also backed the team to show the necessary fighting spirit when they travel to Tunisia.

“By God’s grace, we will go to Tunisia and fight,” the captain said.

Shooting Stars marked their return to continental football with a narrow 1-0 victory over Tunisian giants CS Sfaxien in the CAF Confederation Cup on Saturday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Lucky Emmanuel proved to be the match-winner for the Oluyole Warriors, scoring in the 26th minute to hand the Nigerian side a valuable lead in the closely contested encounter in Abeokuta.

Shooting Stars then produced a disciplined defensive display to protect their advantage for the remainder of the match and secure a memorable victory on their return to continental competition after 27 years.

The result gives the Oluyole Warriors a crucial advantage ahead of the next leg as they continue their quest to progress in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Shooting Stars will now shift their attention to the return fixture, where they will look to complete the job and book their place in the next stage of the competition.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed a Gabonese officiating team for Rivers United’s CAF Champions League preliminary-round first-leg encounter against FC San Pedro of Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The match is scheduled for Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the Laurent Pokou Stadium in San Pedro, with kick-off set for 4:00 pm local time, 5:00 pm in Nigeria.

Gabonese referee Cregue Flaury Moukagni has been selected as the centre referee and will be assisted by compatriots Amos Abeigne Ndong and Junior Assoughe.

Pierre Ghislain Atcho, also from Gabon, will serve as the fourth official.

Benin’s Innocent Atindehou has been appointed Match Commissioner, while Algeria’s Mohamed Lamine Benaissa will work as the Referee Assessor.

The encounter forms part of the first-leg preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League, with Rivers United aiming to secure a favourable result in Côte d’Ivoire before the return fixture.

The Nigerian representatives will be hoping for a disciplined performance against FC San Pedro as they seek to take an early advantage in the two-legged tie.

Nigerian clubs competing in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup could benefit from earlier access to Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology if a proposal being considered by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is approved, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

CAF is currently discussing the possibility of extending VAR coverage to the group stages of its two premier club competitions, with the technology potentially remaining in use from the group stage through to the final.

Under the current system, VAR is introduced from the quarter-final stage, meaning clubs competing in the group phase do not have access to video assistance for potentially crucial decisions.

For Nigerian representatives, the proposed expansion could prove significant, particularly in tightly contested group-stage matches where a single officiating decision could influence the outcome of a game or the race for qualification.

If approved, Nigerian clubs would have VAR support from the group stage rather than waiting until the knockout rounds.

The discussions are part of CAF’s wider efforts to improve refereeing standards, enhance decision-making and strengthen the credibility of officiating across its club competitions.

However, CAF has not yet approved the proposal, with further assessments still required before a final decision is made.

The continent’s football governing body will have to consider the technical, financial and logistical demands of extending VAR to a much larger number of matches across different countries and venues.

Such an expansion would require additional VAR equipment, trained personnel, match officials and operational teams, while differences in stadium infrastructure, broadcast facilities and technical capabilities across Africa could present further challenges.

The discussions are taking place under CAF President Patrice Motsepe, whose administration has continued to pursue initiatives aimed at modernising African football and improving standards across the continent.

Should the proposal receive approval, it would represent a major expansion in CAF’s use of video technology and bring VAR into play much earlier in the Champions League and Confederation Cup campaigns.

For Nigerian clubs, the move could provide greater confidence during difficult continental assignments, especially in closely fought group-stage encounters where decisive refereeing calls can have a major impact on qualification.

CAF has yet to announce when it will reach a final decision, with consultations continuing on whether the expanded VAR system can be implemented effectively and sustainably from the group stage through to the finals.

Tunisian powerhouse CS Sfaxien have arrived in Nigeria ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup first-leg clash with Shooting Stars, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The North African club touched down in the country as they begin their preparations for the important continental encounter, which will take place at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta on Saturday.

Both sides will be aiming to secure an advantage in the first leg before travelling to Tunisia for the return fixture, setting the stage for an intriguing contest.

Shooting Stars will be hoping to make full use of their home advantage against the experienced Tunisian outfit and put themselves in a strong position ahead of the second leg.

CS Sfaxien, meanwhile, will be looking to use their continental experience to secure a positive result on Nigerian soil.

Shooting Stars head coach Salisu Yusuf has immediately shifted his attention to the CAF Confederation Cup after guiding the Oluyole Warriors to a winning start in the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season, Nigeriasoccernet.com.

Shooting Stars defeated newly promoted Inter Lagos 2-1 at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan on Friday, with goals from Lucky Emmanuel and Sodiq Ibrahim securing maximum points and handing the club their first opening-day victory in three years.

Lucky opened the scoring in the 14th minute before Inter Lagos captain Uchenna Njoku restored parity seven minutes later. The hosts continued to search for a second goal, with Desmond and Lucky coming close before the latter was brought down inside the box on the stroke of half-time.

Sodiq Ibrahim stepped up to convert the resulting penalty and restore Shooting Stars’ lead heading into the break. The Oluyole Warriors held firm after the restart to secure all three points.

Yusuf, however, believes the encounter will serve as useful preparation for the club’s continental assignment against CS Sfaxien on Saturday in Abeokuta.

“We are going to play on the continent next in Abeokuta, and our focus is there at the moment. We will see how we can get the team to play better than this,” Yusuf said.

“This game will give them more match fitness, and that will help us in our next game.”

The Shooting Stars coach also hinted at the possible inclusion of former Rivers United goalkeeper Victor Sochima in the squad for their CAF Confederation Cup campaign.

“Sochima trained with us and he brings good experience that can help the team,” Yusuf added.

Shooting Stars will now look to carry their positive domestic start into their continental campaign as they prepare for the first-leg encounter with CS Sfaxien.

Nigeria's representatives in the 2026/27 CAF inter-club competitions will play their home matches away from their traditional stadiums after their venues failed to secure approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The affected clubs are Rangers International, Rivers United and Shooting Stars, all of whom will now be required to adopt alternative venues for their home fixtures in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.

CAF has approved only three stadiums in Nigeria to host continental club matches. They are the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, and the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

As a result, the three clubs are expected to select one of the approved venues as their temporary home ground for their respective continental campaigns.

The decision means the teams will be forced to play in unfamiliar environments and away from their traditional fan bases, a situation that could affect the home advantage they would ordinarily enjoy during the 2026/27 CAF inter-club competitions.

The Confederation of African Football has cancelled the Interclubs Quarter-Finals Preparation Course, earlier scheduled to take place in Cairo, Egypt, from March 4 to 8, 2026, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The elite programme was designed to prepare selected match officials ahead of the decisive knockout rounds of CAF’s premier inter-club competitions, including the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup.

Information gathered indicates that the cancellation was due to visa delays and flight ticket challenges affecting several participants expected to attend the exercise.

The course was aimed at sharpening referees and other officials in critical areas such as game management, Video Assistant Referee application, and interpretation of the Laws of the Game in preparation for the quarter-final fixtures.

CAF is yet to communicate a new date for the programme as Africa’s top-tier club competitions approach their decisive stages.

Rivers United have joined Remo Stars to progress to the next round of the CAF Champions League, while Kwara United and Abia Warriors failed to qualify to the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Pride of Rivers piped FC Les Aigles du Congo at the Godswill Akpabio Intl Stadium, Uyo, to reach the second round of the prestigious competition.

A goal at the brink of the first half by Stephen Manyo was enough to earn Rivers United a 1-0 win and a 1-0 aggregate win in both legs.

It was a different case for other teams representing Nigeria, like Kwara United and Abia Warriors, as they lost to Djoliba and Asante Kotoko, respectively.

Ghanaian club, Asante Kotoko, beat Nigerian club, Kwara United, 1-0 (5-3 on aggregate) to qualify for the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup.

Djoliba won 1-0 to win 2-1 on aggregate at Bamako.

Remo Stars, who triumphed over US Zilimadjou 5-0 on aggregate, progress to the next round with Rivers United.

Uche Dozie

Kwara United's CAF Confederation Cup second leg tie against Asante Kotoko will now be played at the MKO Abiola Sport Arena, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

https://twitter.com/KwaraUnitedFC/status/1970494285985321003?t=YKLKmwUGMpQ0EbAyc__uYw&s=19

The Nigeria Premier Football League side announced the latest development via its social media handles on Tuesday.

The Harmony Boys will execute the crucial encounter against the Ghanaian club based side in Abeokuta instead of Ilorin due to renovation of the stadium at Ilorin.

"Due to ongoing renovations at the Rashidi Yekini Mainbowl, our CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round second leg match against Asante Kotoko of Ghana will now be played at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta", the club states.

The first leg at the Accra Sports Stadium ended 3-4 in favour of Asante Kotoko, leaving the Nigerian side with an herculean task of turning the tide.

MKO Stadium, Stadium, Abeokuta will host the second leg on Sunday September 28, 2025.

Uche Dozie

Nigeria Premier Football League champions, Remo Stars, kick-started their campaign in the CAF Champions League on a great note, while Abia Warriors took a point and Kwara United narrowly lost, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Mixed fortunes greeted Nigeria's representative in the CAF engagements - Champions League and the Confederation Cup.

While it was a sweet taste to savour for the Sky Blue Stars at home, it was not the same for Abia Warriors and especially Kwara United.

Remo Stars pummeled Comoros’ US Zilimadjou with a resounding 4–0 victory at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

Goals from Leonard Ngenge, Ebuka Anthony, Malian forward Adama Goita, and substitute Samson Olasupo ensured a comfortable win for the Nigerian side.

Rivers United had played a goalless draw with Les Aigles du Congo at the iconic Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, DR Congo, earlier on Saturday.

It was goals galore at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday as Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko claimed a thrilling 4–3 victory over Nigeria’s Kwara United in their CAF Confederation Cup first-leg clash.

Emmanuel Antwi fired Kotoko ahead in the 18th minute, but Johnmark Aule equalized for the visitors midway through the first half. Albert Amoah restored Kotoko’s lead on the stroke of halftime, only for Aule to strike again in added time to make it 2–2 at the break.

Asante Kotoko regained the advantage just two minutes into the second half before Amoah extended the lead from the penalty spot in the 70th minute. Kwara United, however, refused to back down, with Shola pulling one back in the 85th minute to set up a tense finale.

Abia Warriors played a 1-1 draw against Malian side Djoliba in the CAF Confederation Cup first-leg clash in Umuahia.

Emeka Obioma gave the Nigerian side the lead with a well-taken header, and the hosts looked on course to take a slim advantage into the return leg. However, Djoliba found an equalizer in the 87th minute, leaving the tie finely balanced.

Uche Dozie

African football governing body, CAF has announced significant changes to its player registration regulations for both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup effective immediately, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports

Participating clubs competing in these tournaments will now be permitted to register players who have already participated in the same competition (either the Champions League or Confederation Cup) for a different club during the same season.

In a related decision, the CAF Executive Committee (EXCO) has also extended the player registration deadline for both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup to February 28, 2025.

This adjustment brings CAF's regulations in line with those governing UEFA's Champions League and Europa League, creating a more consistent and streamlined player registration process across continental competitions.

CAF believes these regulatory changes will enhance the appeal and attractiveness of both the Champions League and Confederation Cup for fans, television viewers, sponsors, and partners, both within Africa and globally.

Furthermore, it is anticipated that these amendments will contribute to raising the overall quality of African clubs participating in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, scheduled to take place in the United States in June and July 2025.

By Oluwadamilola Olaleye

Nigeria's representative in the CAF Confederation Cup, Enyimba FC have crashed out of the competition following their loss to Zamalek SC on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 2-time CAF Champions League winners have struggled in the competition garnering 5 points in the group and needed to win the game to qualify.

However, it was not the case as the People's Elephants as they are called fell 1-3 to the Egyptians at the Cairo Stadium.

Mustafa Shalaby opened score for Zamalek SC in the 29th minutes with an header following a cross from Zico as the Egyptians led 1-0 at half time.

Seifeddine Jaziri doubled the lead 4 minutes into the second half after intercepting the ball from goalkepper Ani Ozoemena who wanted to double pass the player.

Ifeanyi Ihemekwele reduced the deficit for the Nigerian side 3 minutes later, but Jaziri with his second of the day restored the 2-goal the lead in the 88 minutes after an individual brilliance that saw him beat two Enyimba defenders to hit the ball pass goalkepper Ozoemena.

Uche Dozie

Enyimba International’s striker, Brown Ideye, has highlighted the critical importance of defeating Egyptian giants Zamalek SC in their final group-stage encounter of the CAF Confederation Cup. After a frustrating 1-1 draw against Al Masry in Uyo during the fifth round, Enyimba’s hopes of advancing to the quarterfinals now rest entirely on securing all three points in Cairo next weekend.

Speaking on the task ahead, Ideye underscored the magnitude of the challenge but remained optimistic about his team’s chances.

“It’s a must-win match for us,” Ideye stated. “Zamalek are a strong team, but we are determined to secure the maximum points.”

Zamalek, the defending champions and group leaders, have already booked their spot in the quarterfinals with an impressive tally of 11 points. This dominant position may give Enyimba a glimmer of hope, as the Egyptian side might opt to rest key players for the match.

“They’ve already qualified for the next round and might rest some key players,” Ideye noted, acknowledging the possibility of Zamalek fielding a rotated squad.

However, the Nigerian outfit must approach the match with a sense of urgency and focus, knowing that anything less than a win will see them exit the competition.

Enyimba’s chairman, former Super Eagles legend Nwankwo Kanu, has stepped in to inspire the team ahead of the decisive game. According to Ideye, Kanu’s words of encouragement have reinforced the belief that progression to the quarterfinals is still within reach.

[caption id="attachment_757646" align="aligncenter" width="474"] Ideye celebrating a goal with Enyimba teammate[/caption]

“The chairman (Nwankwo Kanu) has spoken to us, and I believe it’s still possible to win this match,” Ideye affirmed.

Currently sitting third in their group with just four points, Enyimba faces a daunting task against a Zamalek side that has been in fine form. Nevertheless, the People's Elephant will rely on their experience and resilience to rise to the occasion.

With the stakes at their highest, Enyimba’s trip to Cairo promises to be a thrilling encounter that could define their season. Fans will hope that Ideye and his teammates can deliver a performance worthy of their ambitions and keep their Confederation Cup dreams alive.

Oluwayemi Omolagba

Following Zamalek SC's qualification for the quarterfinals of the CAF Confederation Cup, assistant coach Amir Azmin Mujahid has expressed confidence in facing Nigeria's Enyimba International in the final group stage match, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

The defending champions are set to host the People's Elephant at the Cairo International Stadium next weekend, and Mujahid believes his team is well-positioned to perform comfortably.

Speaking after Zamalek's 3-1 victory against Black Bulls on Sunday, Mujahid emphasized the significance of the win in securing early qualification.

"We were eager to secure qualification before the final round to prepare all players and play more comfortably in the upcoming match against Nigeria's Enyimba," he said.

The win elevated Zamalek SC to the top of their group with 11 points, guaranteeing their spot in the quarterfinals. The White Knights demonstrated dominance throughout the group stages, with their latest victory at the Cairo International Stadium further solidifying their credentials as tournament favorites.

Group Standings Update

While Zamalek leads the group, the situation is less favorable for the other teams. Black Bulls, with only 4 points, are at the bottom of the table and have been eliminated from contention. Al Masry currently occupies second place with 6 points, just one point ahead of Enyimba, who are 5 points following their 1-1 draw with Al Masry.

Enyimba's hopes for progression now rest on their performance in Cairo, a game that promises to be a high-stakes encounter. The Nigerian side, coached by Yemi Daniel Olanrewaju, will need a victory against the formidable Zamalek side to have any chance of advancing.

Zamalek's Confidence

For Zamalek, the match against Enyimba provides an opportunity to rotate players and test strategies ahead of the knockout stage. However, with the prestige of topping the group at stake, the White Knights are unlikely to take their opponents lightly. Mujahid’s remarks suggest that Zamalek’s technical team views this fixture as an important test to maintain their momentum and fine-tune their squad.

As the match approaches, all eyes will be on Cairo International Stadium to see whether Zamalek can extend their dominance or if Enyimba can pull off a dramatic upset to keep their campaign alive.

Oluwayemi Omolagba

Nigeria's only remaining representative in the CAF Confederation Cup, Enyimba FC was held by Egyptian side, Al Masry in Uyo on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The People's Elephant played a 1-1 against the Eagles at the Godswil Akpabio International Stadium.

The Egyptians were in front as early as the 8th minute with a goal from Mohamed Hashem with a timed header to beat goalkeeper Ani Ozoemena.

Nevertheless, the hosts were back in the game with a fine header by Ifeanyi Ihemekwele to draw level in the 47th minute.

The visitors could have restored their lead in the 50th minute but Ozoemena did well to save from the spot and keep things the same.

The score remained 1-1 at full time as the People’s Elephant now find themselves one point behind Al Masry in second spot.

They travel to Egypt for a must-win game against Zamalek SC next week.

Uche Dozie

Record-winning champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League's poor run of form continued as they fell like a pack of cards in the continent following their heavy loss to Black Bulls of Mozambique, Nigeroasoccernet.com reports.

The People's Elephant capitulated 0-3 in Maputo after 90 minutes, leaving them bottom of Group D with a point.

Two Nigerians, Rume Akporoh and Francis Ayuba, scored against the famous Nigerian club to give the Black Bulls their first-ever win in the group stage of a CAF club competition.

Rume Akporoh opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a well-placed header from a corner kick delivery while Fidel Suosa finishing off the delivery from another corner gave the hosts a 2-0 lead in the 57th minute before Ayuba Francis, Former Nigeria U-20 put the game beyond Enyimba seven minutes later.

Coach Yemi Olanrewaju’s side is at rock bottom with one point, while Black Bulls have four points after three matches and are in third place due to an inferior goal difference.

Uche Dozie

Enyimba FC has officially departed Nigeria for their CAF Confederation Cup fixture against Black Bulls of Mozambique, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

The team, also known as the People's Elephant, left Sam Mbakwe International Airport in Owerri on Thursday. The delegation, which includes players and club officials, took a flight via United Airlines to Lagos before boarding another flight to Maputo.

They are expected to arrive in Mozambique's capital city on Friday, ahead of their highly anticipated match.

The upcoming clash will take place at the Estádio do Zimpeto in Maputo on Sunday. Enyimba has so far accumulated one point from their opening two matches in the competition, and they will be aiming to improve their standing as they face the Black Bulls.

With the team in good spirits, attention now turns to their performance on Sunday as they seek to gain vital points for progression in the tournament.

Enyimba's journey in the CAF Confederation Cup continues, and their supporters are hopeful for a strong showing from the team.

Oluwayemi Omolagba