By Mark Ogagan
The 2025-2026 CAF Champions League draw has pitted Rivers United, coached by Nigeria ex-international Finidi George, against holders Pyramids FC of Egypt, RS Berkane of Morocco and Power Dynamos of Zambia in the group stage of the competition.
At the official draw ceremony conducted in Johannesburg on Monday, the Nigerian representatives found themselves in Group A alongside the Egyptian side, but also have to contend with Berkane and Dynamos – two other continental stalwarts.
However, a thrilling rematch between Pyramids and RS Berkane will headline the League group stage as a star-studded field featuring seven former African champions and the reigning title-holders promises one of the most competitive group phases in recent memory.
Record 12-time winners Al Ahly anchor Group B, where they meet Tanzania’s Young Africans, Moroccan champions AS FAR, and two-time African champions JS Kabylie, a pool steeped in history and rivalry.
Group C pairs perennial contenders Mamelodi Sundowns with Al Hilal, MC Alger and St Éloi Lupopo, clubs with rich pedigree and fervent followings.
Four-time winners Espérance de Tunis headline Group D, alongside Simba SC, Petro de Luanda and Stade Malien, setting up heavyweight duels across the competition.
The Group Stage will kick off on the weekend of 21–23 November 2025, with two matchdays to be played before the start of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.
The competition will then pause during the continental showpiece and resume on the weekend of 23–25 January 2026.
The knockout phase will begin on 13 March 2026. The TotalEnergies CAF Champions League winners will receive USD 4,000,000 in prize money, while the runners-up will earn USD 2,000,000.
CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUPS
Group A: RS Berkane (Morocco), Pyramids FC (Egypt), Rivers United (Nigeria), Power Dynamos (Zambia)
Group B: Al Ahly (Egypt), Young Africans (Tanzania), AS FAR (Morocco), JS Kabylie (Algeria)
Group C: Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), Al Hilal (Sudan), MC Alger (Algeria), St Éloi Lupopo (DR Congo)
Group D: Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia), Simba SC (Tanzania), Petro de Luanda (Angola), Stade Malien (Mali)
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