The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the list of approved stadiums for the first two preliminary rounds of the Champions League and the Confederation Cup. Several nations have notably distinguished themselves in this regard.
Following the draw for the 1st and 2nd preliminary rounds of the Champions League and the Confederation Cup, CAF announced the list of countries that will host the upcoming matches.
New home for Nigeria’s representatives?
CAF, in their listing for Nigeria, has only approved the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo for hosting continental games, creating a dilemma for Nigeria’s representatives.
In the CAF Champions League, NPFL champions Rangers, who play at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, will need to find a new venue, as will Remo Stars, who usually play at their stadium in Ikenne.
Both Enyimba, who play their home games in Aba, and El-Kanemi Warriors, who are based in Maiduguri, will also have to relocate to the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
However, according to Afrik-foot.com, there might be some concessions for certain clubs. This offers hope to Enyimba, who have previously hosted continental games in Aba, and Remo Stars, who have played continental football in Ikenne.
Will CAF change its mind?
The list released by CAF only pertains to the two preliminary rounds of the inter-club competitions.
It is likely to be updated in light of the CAN 2025 qualifiers in September, subject to further inspection controls by CAF.
The accreditation of stadiums is a dynamic process, reflecting ongoing improvements and investments in infrastructure.
Mixed fortunes for NPFL clubs
Nigerian champions Rangers will face US Zilimadjou of the Comoros in the preliminary stage, while Nigeria’s other representatives in the CAF Champions League, Remo Stars, will contend with ASFAR of Morocco.
In the CAF Confederation Cup, El-Kanemi Warriors will compete against Dadje of Benin Republic in the preliminary round.
Enyimba have received a bye and will commence their campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup against the winner of the preliminary stage fixture between Hafia Football Club of Guinea and the Burkinabe representatives (Rahimo FC or EFO) for a place in the group stage.
