Enyimba join Al Ahly, Esperance, Raja Casablanca for inaugural African Football League

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the roster of eight elite clubs that have earned the privilege to participate in the maiden African Football League (AFL), Soccernet.ng reports.

This groundbreaking tournament, a collaborative venture between CAF and FIFA (Federation of International Football Association), is set to redefine African football.

The eight distinguished teams emerged from a rigorous selection process representing three distinct African Regional Blocks: the North Region, the Central-West Region, and the South-East Region. These regional allocations aimed to ensure a fair representation of top-tier talent from across the continent.

From the North Region, the reigning African champions, Al Ahly of Egypt, along with Tunisia’s Esperance and Morocco’s Raja Casablanca, have been selected to showcase their prowess on this grand stage.

In the Central-West Region, Nigeria’s very own Enyimba International Fc, a footballing powerhouse, will make their presence felt alongside TP Mazembe from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Meanwhile, the South-East Region will witness the spirited participation of South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, Angola’s Atlético Petróleos de Luanda, and Tanzania’s Simba Sports Club.

Enyimba, in particular, stand out as the most successful Nigerian football club, boasting an impressive resume with multiple league titles and two Champions League triumphs.

Their recent victory in the NPFL (Nigeria Professional Football League) earlier this year, under the astute guidance of former Super Eagles winger George Finidi, adds further luster to their legacy.

The much-anticipated draw for the African Football League competition is scheduled to take place in Cairo, Egypt, on September 2.

The AFL is slated to kick off on October 20 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The tournament is expected to run for an action-packed four weeks.