- Enugu Rangers return to the CAF Champions League for the first time since 2017, facing Zilimadjou of Comoros
- Nigerian clubs aim for continental success in CAF Champions League opener
- Reaching the 16-club group stage guarantees a minimum prize of $700,000
Nigerian league champions Rangers International and Remo Stars are set to compete in the CAF Champions League, while Enyimba and Elkanemi Warriors will represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Over the past two years, the CAF Executive has made substantial investments in African club football. The prize money for the CAF Champions League winners has been raised to $4,000,000, a significant increase from the $2,500,000 that Wydad Casablanca received for winning the 2022 final.
In the CAF Confederation Cup, the winner's prize money has also seen a boost, rising from $1,250,000 to $2,000,000, even the runner-up now stands to earn $1,000,000.
Additionally, clubs like Enyimba FC have benefited from the financial support provided by the African Football League, which offered a total prize fund of $8,000,000.
This latest development is in line with the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) President Dr Patrice Motsepe’s promise to improve club competitions and provide bigger incentives to participating clubs.
Enugu Rangers gear up for CAF Champions League challenges
Enugu Rangers, making their return to the prestigious African club competition for the first time since 2017, will begin their CAF Champions League campaign against Zilimadjou from the Comoros today, August 18.
Technically, Rangers International should have the upper hand against the Comoros champions. Should they advance, the Nigerian side will face either Saint Louis of Seychelles or Esperanca Sagrada of Angola in September, where they will once again be favoured to progress to the group stage.
For all the teams, reaching the 16-club group stage is the primary goal, as it comes with a guaranteed minimum prize money of $700,000 (645,000 euros). Success at this stage sets the foundation for a deeper run in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Remo Stars, whose Champions League debut ended prematurely in the first round last season, were handed a tough opening fixture against former champions FAR Rabat of Morocco.
Should Remo navigate past the Moroccan giants, they would face either a Libyan team yet to be confirmed or the vastly experienced Al Merrikh of Sudan in the second round. With the last Nigerian club to win the Champions League being Enyimba back in 2005, both Rangers and Remo carry the hopes of a nation seeking a return to continental glory.
The road to the CAF Champions League group stage is filled with challenges, but the stakes are higher than ever especially because of the improved incentives as clubs across Africa vie for continental supremacy.
3 significant takeaways from new NPFL partnership with Sevilla FC
Previously, TheRadar reported that Europa League giants, Sevilla FC, have announced a significant partnership with the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).
This collaboration is set to create a new chapter in football relations between the Spanish club and Nigeria, promising to enhance the development of Nigerian football youngsters and coaches.
