By KUNLE SOLAJA.

Abia Warriors will make their long-awaited debut on the continental stage this Sunday when they host Mali’s Djoliba AC in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

The Umuahia-based side qualified for the competition after an impressive domestic campaign and now carry Nigeria’s hopes into Africa’s second-tier club tournament. Head coach Imama Amapakabo will hope his team will seize the opportunity despite challenges.

Abia Warriors have suffered key losses ahead of the tie, with last season’s top scorer Anthony Ijoma, who struck 12 NPFL goals, sealing a move to Bosnian side FK Radnik Bijeljina, while midfielder Adejo Ojonougba, scorer of seven goals, has joined AS Marsa in Tunisia.

Their exits mean the attacking burden will fall on Sunday Megwo, who matched Ijoma’s 12-goal tally last season.

Their opponents, Djoliba AC, are no strangers to the continental scene. The Bamako giants have reached the latter stages of CAF competitions in the past and are widely regarded as one of West Africa’s most consistent clubs.

In a bid to boost morale, Djoliba’s management recently rewarded their players with motorbikes to aid punctuality and improve team spirit ahead of the clash.

Analysts believe Abia Warriors will look to stay compact at the back and hit Djoliba on the counter, while the visitors are expected to dominate possession and use their continental experience to unsettle the debutants.

For Abia, the first leg represents a golden chance to establish an advantage before the return fixture in Bamako. Even a narrow win or a clean sheet could tilt the tie in their favour.

This Sunday’s match will be followed with the return leg next week in Mali.

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Kwara United begin their quest for continental relevance this weekend with a daunting trip to Kumasi, where Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko await in the CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26 Preliminary Round.

In the CAF website, it is listed as a standout fixture and ameeting of proud West African clubs with noisy travelling supporters.

For Kwara United, it represents both a challenge and an opportunity to plant their flag firmly on Africa’s football map.

Kotoko, twice winners of the African Cup of Champions Clubs, return to the continental stage seeking to restore their fading reputation.

But Kwara United arrive with quiet confidence. Head Coach, Tunde Sanni, at the Remo Stars training pitch some days ago to the Sports Village Square of preparation against the better-known Kotoko of Ghana.

“High reputation alone don’t win matches. We shall shock them”, he said. The coach and his players alike believe a disciplined, athletic performance in Ghana could tilt the tie their way before the decisive second leg.

“This is the stage we’ve worked hard for,” a Kwara United official noted. “Facing Kotoko in Kumasi is never easy, but we know if we stay organised and take our chances, the return leg at home can be decisive.”

The stakes are immediate: survive this tie and Kwara United move within touching distance of a glamour second-round showdown against one of Africa’s continental heavyweights, with group-stage football by November.

Elsewhere, Abia Warriors also carry Nigeria’s flag, making their debut in Ouagadougou against Burkina Faso’s USFA. Both sides know Djoliba AC of Mali lie in wait in the next round.

Across the continent, 26 fixtures mark the start of a campaign that will stretch into 2026, with teams eyeing not only survival but also the prestige and financial rewards of group-stage qualification.

The first legs take place 19–21 September, with return fixtures scheduled for 26–28 September. Victors will advance to the second preliminary round in October, and from there, the promised land of group football awaits.

For Kwara United, it all begins under the floodlights of Kumasi — a test of character, discipline, and ambition in Africa’s most competitive club arena.

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Mali’s Djoliba AC have handed out 21 motorbikes to their players as part of an incentive drive ahead of the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup, where they will face Nigerian debutants Abia Warriors in the preliminary round.

The Bamako giants, who have long dominated Malian domestic football alongside rivals Stade Malien, hope the gifts will help the squad recapture past continental glory, having finished runners-up in the 2012 competition.

Club officials said the motorbikes came with strict conditions — they are to be used exclusively for training and matchday transport.

“The bikes must not be used for social activities or commercial purposes. We presented the gifts to ensure our boys arrive early for matches and achieve success,” a Djoliba official explained.

Motorbikes remain a popular means of transport in West Africa, where the cost of purchasing and maintaining cars is beyond the reach of many.

Djoliba will host Abia Warriors in the first leg of their preliminary tie in September, before travelling to Nigeria for the return leg. Victory would set up a second-round meeting with either USFA of Burkina Faso or AS Gbohloe-Su des Lacs of Togo for a place in the lucrative group stage, which guarantees each club $400,000.

CAF has also doubled its financial support for teams eliminated in the qualifying rounds to $100,000, a move aimed at easing the high travel and accommodation costs across Africa.

Despite Djoliba’s ambitions, history favours North African dominance in the competition — clubs from Algeria, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia have won 17 of the 22 editions. Among the favourites for the upcoming season are Zamalek of Egypt, Wydad Casablanca of Morocco, 2023 champions USM Alger, and Chabab Belouizdad of Algeria.

Reigning champions Renaissance Berkane of Morocco will not defend their crown, having qualified instead for the CAF Champions League.

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