Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clubs hoping to make an impact on the continent must first win a different kind of battle, CAF’s rigorous club licensing examination.
Before kicking a ball in the 2025/26 CAF Champions League or Confederation Cup, Nigeria’s four representatives, Remo Stars, Rivers United, Abia Warriors, and Kwara United, must meet 13 strict criteria or risk being barred from the competitions.
For debutants like Abia Warriors and Kwara United, who are entering CAF competitions for the first time in their history, it’s a steep off-the-pitch climb.
The 13 CAF Licensing Requirements:
To participate, each club must:
- Compete in a CAF-recognised top-tier national league
- Use a stadium with a minimum 10,000 seating capacity
- Be registered with their national FA
- Align club statutes with CAF governance standards
- Maintain stable and transparent finances
- Have no outstanding debts to players or staff
- Provide a clear financial plan and annual budget
- Avoid ongoing legal disputes affecting operations
- Implement a conflict-of-interest management system
- Comply with CAF’s player transfer regulations
- Run active U17 and U20 youth teams
- Employ a CAF A-licensed head coach
- Operate a senior women’s team
Remo Stars – CAF Champions League
The newly crowned NPFL champions, Remo Stars, face a significant obstacle—their 5,000-capacity stadium in Ikenne falls short of CAF’s 10,000-seat requirement for interclub competitions.
While the Sky Blue Stars have hosted CAF games at the Remo Stars Stadium in the past, a recent tightening of standards means they will likely need to convince CAF inspectors that the facility meets all other infrastructure and safety demands. Otherwise, a stadium switch to a larger venue could be necessary.
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Off the pitch, the club is better placed than most. Remo Stars boast a structured football ecosystem, complete with a youth development system and a women’s team, Remo Stars Ladies, currently competing in the NWFL.
NPFL Champions Remo Stars. Photo Credit: X
It’s this holistic setup that may work in their favour as they prepare to represent Nigeria in the CAF Champions League for the third time in their history.
Rivers United – CAF Champions League
Despite boasting the 38,000-capacity Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers United face a stadium issue. In the past, they’ve had to host continental matches in Uyo due to the poor state of the pitch and subpar facilities at their home ground.
The club is associated with Rivers Angels, one of Nigeria’s most decorated women’s football teams, which ticks the women’s team box. However, concerns remain around the absence of recognised U17 and U20 teams, which may impact their full compliance.
Still, their structure and experience in CAF competitions give them a strong platform heading into the licensing process.
Abia Warriors – CAF Confederation Cup
This is uncharted territory for Abia Warriors, who will be making their continental debut in the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup.
Their Umuahia Township Stadium, with a capacity of just 5,000, falls short of CAF’s minimum requirement. The pitch and dressing room conditions have also drawn criticism, raising further red flags for club licensing.
Financially, the club does not enjoy the same resources as its more established neighbours, Enyimba. However, their affiliation with Abia Angels, a top-tier women’s team in the NWFL, helps satisfy the women’s football criterion.
Much now hinges on support from the Abia State Government, both in terms of funding and securing an alternative CAF-approved stadium, likely in Aba or Uyo, to meet competition standards.
Kwara United – CAF Confederation Cup
Debutants on the continental stage, the Harmony Boys face a tough road off the pitch. Their home ground in Ilorin currently lacks the infrastructure required for CAF matches, pitch quality, and auxiliary facilities.
NPFL side Kwara United defeated Abakaliki FC to win their first-ever title. Photo Credit: X
Unless the Kwara State Government swiftly undertakes major upgrades, the club may be forced to adopt an alternative venue or risk falling short of CAF’s licensing requirements.
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Another concern is the absence of a senior women’s team, a mandatory condition under CAF’s interclub eligibility rules.
Kwara United may point to their U19 squad, recent winners of the inaugural National Youth League Cup, to satisfy the youth development clause, but that alone may not suffice without broader structural reforms.
Key Dates – CAF Interclub 2025/26
- Preliminary Round: Sept 19–28
- Second Round: Oct 17–26
- Group Stage Begins: Nov 21
- Finals Conclude: May 2026
CAF has also confirmed that club registration for the competition must be completed via the electronic Competition Management System (CMS), with a deadline of July 31, 2025.
