CAF Reveals Top 12 Member Associations for 2026/27 Interclub Competitions; Nigeria Confirms Two Slots Per Competition

Cairo, Egypt – April 19, 2026

The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has released the list of 12 highest-ranked Member Associations eligible to enter two teams each in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup for the 2026/27 season.

The rankings are based on CAF’s Interclub Ranking system, which evaluates the performance of clubs from each Member Association across the last five editions of CAF interclub competitions. Associations ranked in the top 12 earn the right to present two representatives in both the Champions League and Confederation Cup, giving them four continental slots in total.

Nigeria Retains Elite Status

Nigeria has maintained its place among Africa’s football elite, ranking 8th on the latest CAF Interclub Ranking. The country has now confirmed two slots in each of CAF’s premier club competitions for next season, a development that underscores the steady growth of domestic football.

The country’s continued presence in the top 12 is largely credited to consistent continental performances by Nigerian clubs over the last five seasons. In particular, Rivers United FC’s deep runs and point-gathering campaigns in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup have been pivotal in confirming and consolidating Nigeria’s ranking.

Impact of Rivers United FC

Rivers United’s performances on the continental stage provided Nigeria with crucial ranking points that helped the country hold off challenges from lower-ranked associations. By advancing beyond the group stage and competing against Africa’s best, the “Pride of Rivers” ensured Nigeria confirmed its two-slot allocation for both the Champions League and Confederation Cup.

Their contribution highlights the direct link between club success and national opportunity. With two Champions League slots and two Confederation Cup slots available, Nigerian clubs now have greater access to CAF prize money, exposure, and the chance to compete for continental honours. This, in turn, raises the profile of the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, and attracts more investment and talent into the domestic game.

Full List of 12 Top-Ranked Member Associations – 2026/27 Season

Based on CAF Interclub Ranking results from the last five seasons, the following 12 associations are permitted two teams per competition:

1. Algeria  

2. Angola  

3. Cote d’Ivoire  

4. DR Congo  

5. Egypt  

6. Mali  

7. Morocco  

8. Nigeria

9. South Africa  

10. Sudan  

11. Tanzania  

12. Tunisia  

With the 2026/27 CAF season set to kick off in September, Nigerian clubs will be aiming to build on Rivers United’s foundation and push for deeper runs that can elevate the country’s ranking even higher in future cycles.

For Nigerian football, confirming this elite status is more than a ranking. It is a pathway for more clubs to experience continental football, for players to showcase their talent, and for the NPFL to grow its reputation across Africa.

Written by Charles Mayuku