The CAF Champions League remains the pinnacle of club football in Africa, bringing together the continent's strongest teams in pursuit of continental glory. However, many football stakeholders believe the tournament's current structure no longer reflects the growth and potential of African football.
At present, clubs must navigate two preliminary qualifying rounds before the competition reaches the group stage. Teams with stronger CAF rankings often receive byes, while the remaining clubs battle for one of just 16 available places.
Once qualification is complete, the surviving teams are divided into four groups of four, with only the best progressing to the knockout rounds. While the format ensures quality, it also limits the number of clubs, supporters, and leagues that can fully experience Africa's premier club competition.
Across other continents, club tournaments have already embraced larger formats. South America's Copa Libertadores features 32 teams, while Europe's UEFA Champions League now includes 36 clubs. Expanding Africa's top club competition would create more opportunities for clubs across the continent while increasing commercial value and fan engagement.
Why an Expanded CAF Champions League Matters for NPFL Clubs
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) was once regarded as one of Africa's strongest domestic competitions. Nigerian giants Enyimba made history by winning consecutive CAF Champions League titles in 2003 and 2004, but no club from the country has repeated that feat since.
Currently, only the NPFL champions and runners-up earn places in the CAF Champions League qualifiers. Unfortunately, Nigerian representatives have struggled to make significant progress in recent years. Clubs like Remo Stars and Rivers United have found it difficult to reach the group stage, while Enyimba remain the last Nigerian side to advance to the knockout rounds back in 2011.
A larger tournament format could significantly change that narrative.
If CAF increases the number of participating clubs, Nigeria would likely receive additional qualification slots. More continental places would make the battle for top positions in the NPFL even more competitive, encouraging clubs to improve their sporting and administrative standards.
Greater competition would also motivate teams to invest in modern facilities, better coaching, improved scouting systems, and enhanced player welfare. These improvements would strengthen the league as a whole.
Financially, the benefits could be even more significant. More matches in an expanded group or league phase would bring increased television revenue, sponsorship opportunities, larger gate receipts, and higher CAF prize money. For many NPFL clubs operating with limited budgets, such income could provide much-needed financial stability and reduce the need to sell promising players too early.
Regular competition against Africa's elite would also help Nigerian clubs close the quality gap. Consistent exposure to stronger opponents, different tactical approaches, and higher-intensity matches would accelerate the development of both players and coaches.
Several football associations, including Egypt's, have already shown support for expanding the competition. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) could also back such a proposal, as an enlarged CAF Champions League has the potential to benefit Nigerian football both competitively and financially.
Ultimately, expanding the tournament would not only increase opportunities for NPFL clubs but could also play a vital role in restoring Nigeria's status among Africa's leading football nations.
