Rivers, 3SC get $100k consolation from CAF

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that both Rivers United and Shooting Stars will receive a $100,000 solidarity payment following their early exits from the 2026/27 continental competitions. CAF revealed this decision during the draws for the preliminary rounds in August, emphasizing their ongoing commitment to supporting participating teams and boosting involvement in their inter-club competitions.

The money will be distributed to clubs eliminated in the preliminary rounds, as part of CAF's ongoing investment strategy.

In the CAF Champions League, Rivers United was eliminated by San Pedro of Ivory Coast after a 3-3 aggregate draw in the two-legged tie. Despite a late comeback effort, they could not overcome the deficit. Shooting Stars, on the other hand, exited the CAF Confederation Cup after failing to advance after a 1-0 loss to CS Sfaxien. Both clubs will be eligible for the $100,000 payment if they do not advance to the group stages.

Nigerian champions Rangers International and El-Kanemi Warriors will face the winners of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup, USM Alger, in the second preliminary round of the Champions League. The group stages of the 2026/27 season are set to begin in November, with the final matches scheduled for May 9-31, 2027. South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns and Algeria's USM Alger previously won the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup, respectively, in the previous season.