“CAF, the governing body for soccer in Africa, has set a crucial deadline for member associations, including Nigeria, ahead of the preliminary rounds of the prestigious CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup. With the preliminary round slated to kick off in August 2024, CAF’s headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, recently provided an update, highlighting the importance of timely submission.
Member associations have until June 15, 2024, to finalize and submit the list of clubs that will represent their respective countries in these continental tournaments. For Nigeria, the representatives in the CAF Champions League will be the winners of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), along with the runners-up. Meanwhile, the second runners-up and the winner of the President Federation Cup will secure spots in the CAF Confederation Cup.
This announcement injects a sense of urgency into the administrative machinery of Nigerian football, as it requires swift decision-making and coordination within the footballing ecosystem. The NPFL, which had a one-month break, is poised to resume action this weekend, indicating a flurry of activity as clubs vie for top positions that guarantee participation in continental competitions.
The deadline set by CAF underscores the meticulous planning required to ensure the smooth conduct of these tournaments, from scheduling matches to logistical arrangements. It also emphasizes the significance of representation at the continental level, providing clubs with a platform to showcase their prowess on the African stage and vie for continental glory. As the deadline looms, stakeholders in Nigerian football must swiftly navigate the selection process to field competitive teams that can uphold the country’s footballing reputation in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.”