Rivers United Leads Nigerian Clubs in Latest CAF Rankings
Rivers United Football Club has cemented its position as the top-ranked Nigerian club in the latest Confederation of African Football (CAF) club rankings, securing the 24th spot continentally with 14 points. This achievement underscores the club’s consistent performance in CAF competitions over recent seasons, solidifying its place as Nigeria’s leading representative on the continental stage. The rankings, released ahead of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup preliminary round draw, reflect each club’s performance over the past five years, with more recent results carrying greater weight in the calculation. Rivers United’s superior ranking in comparison to other Nigerian clubs highlights their consistent presence and competitive performances in continental tournaments.
Enyimba Football Club, historically Nigeria’s most successful club in CAF competitions with two Champions League titles, finds itself outside the top 30, ranked 35th with 7 points. This placement reflects the club’s struggles in recent continental campaigns, failing to recapture the dominance that once made them a force to be reckoned with. While Enyimba reached the group stage of the 2024/25 Confederation Cup, their early exit, along with a string of underwhelming performances in previous years, has negatively impacted their coefficient standing. The rankings calculation emphasizes recent results, highlighting the need for sustained success to maintain a high position.
At the continental level, Egyptian giants Al Ahly FC maintain their supremacy, topping the rankings with a commanding 78 points, followed by Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa with 62 points and Tunisia’s Espérance Sportive de Tunis with 57 points. Al Ahly’s continued dominance in the CAF Champions League has cemented their position as the continent’s premier club, while Sundowns’ consistent performances have established them as a formidable force. These rankings reflect sustained excellence over multiple seasons, demonstrating the importance of consistent deep runs in CAF competitions.
The upcoming preliminary round draw for the 2025/26 CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup, scheduled to take place in Tanzania, will utilize these rankings to determine seeding. The rankings significantly influence the draw’s outcome, potentially impacting the matchups for Nigerian representatives in both competitions. Rivers United’s higher ranking could offer a more favorable draw, while Enyimba’s lower position might present tougher challenges in the early stages of the competition. This process underscores the significance of maintaining a strong coefficient ranking for competitive advantage in CAF tournaments.
The CAF club rankings provide a valuable snapshot of the competitive landscape of African football, reflecting the evolving hierarchy of club performance. Rivers United’s emergence as the top-ranked Nigerian club signifies a shift in the balance of power within the country’s football scene. Enyimba’s decline highlights the importance of adapting to the changing dynamics of continental competition and the need for consistent success to remain among the elite. The dominance of Al Ahly and the rise of Mamelodi Sundowns illustrate the importance of sustained investment and strategic planning for long-term success in African football.
The 2025/26 CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup promise to be another thrilling chapter in African club football, with the rankings setting the stage for exciting matchups and potential surprises. Rivers United’s standing as the top-ranked Nigerian club will no doubt generate anticipation and expectations, while Enyimba will be looking to regain their former glory and climb back up the rankings. As clubs across the continent gear up for the preliminary rounds, the rankings serve as a reminder of the importance of consistent performance and the pursuit of excellence in African football’s most prestigious club competitions.
