NPFL champions Akwa United have been handed a difficult test as they will have to go past Algerian champions CR Belouizdad next month to reach the first round of the CAF Champions League.
Akwa United were drawn against CR Belouizdad, who are currently leading the Algerian league on 70 points with three matches to the end of the season
‘The Promise ‘Keepers’ will host the first leg in the weekend of September 10-12, while the return leg will take place in Algeria between September 17-19.
The two-time Federation Cup winners won the NPFL title for the first time in their history after accumulating 71 points from 38 games – 19 victories, 14 draws with just five defeats, scoring 53 while conceding 24 goals.
It will be Akwa United’s debut in CAF Champions League having previously featured twice in the CAF Confederation Cup in 2016 and 2018.
Nigeria’s other flag bearers in the Champions League, Rivers United, are drawn against Tanzania’s Young Africans.
Historic Aiteo Cup winners Bayelsa United will battle AS Ashanti Golden Boys of Guinea in the preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup, while Enyimba have been drawn bye.
