Shooting Stars have been drawn against Tunisian heavyweights CS Sfaxien in one of the standout fixtures of the first preliminary round of the 2026/2027 CAF Confederation Cup. Nigeria’s other representative, El-Kanemi Warriors, were paired with Guinea-Bissau side União Desportiva Internacional (UDIB) in the opening preliminary round. The Maiduguri club face an even tougher challenge if they advance, with Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca waiting in the second preliminary round. Fifty-six non-seeded teams will compete in the first preliminary round, while the continent’s eight highest-ranked clubs were exempted until the second preliminary round. The second preliminary round will follow on October 16 to 18 and October 23 to 25.