The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has praised Nigerian clubs competing in CAF inter-club competitions for their impressive performances, describing their results as encouraging for the country’s football.
NFF Acting General Secretary, Emmanuel Ikpeme, singled out Edo Queens, Rivers United, Shooting Stars and El-Kanemi Warriors following their recent continental fixtures. He said the federation had monitored the matches and was pleased with the efforts of the Nigerian representatives.
Edo Queens received particular praise after reclaiming the WAFU-B Women’s Champions League title. The Nigerian champions defeated Ghanaian side Ampem Darkoa Ladies 4-1 on penalties after the final ended 2-2 in regulation time in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
“The NFF is very proud of the achievement of Edo Queens. It is no mean feat, as they had to do battles with equally ambitious and focused teams,” Ikpeme said.
The victory also secured Edo Queens a place in the CAF Women’s Champions League finals, giving the Nigerian club another opportunity to compete for continental honours.
In the men’s competition, Rivers United held Ivorian side FC San Pedro to a 1-1 draw away from home in the first preliminary round of the CAF Champions League. The result gives the Nigerian club a positive platform ahead of the return leg.
Shooting Stars and El-Kanemi Warriors also recorded victories in their respective CAF Confederation Cup home matches. Ikpeme expressed confidence that the teams could build on those results in the return fixtures.
The performances are important for Nigerian football because strong results in CAF competitions can improve the country’s continental standing while giving domestic clubs valuable exposure against teams from across Africa.
Nigeria has several representatives in the 2026/27 CAF inter-club competitions, including Enugu Rangers and Rivers United in the Champions League. The clubs are expected to carry the country’s hopes as the preliminary rounds continue.
