Four of Nigeria’s football clubs, Enugu Rangers, Remo Stars, Enyimba, and El-Kanemi Warriors, have received a financial boost as each club will be awarded $50,000 (about 80 million naira) by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Soccernet.ng reports.
This sum serves as participation fees for the preliminary stages of the 2024-2025 CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.
Enugu Rangers and Remo Stars are flying Nigeria’s flag in the CAF Champions League, following their impressive performances as champions and runners-up of the 2023-2024 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
Meanwhile, Enyimba, who secured third place in the NPFL, and El-Kanemi Warriors, the President Federation Cup winners, will represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup.
CAF’s statement on Friday, August 16, highlighted this enhanced monetary reward, which aligns with CAF President Patrice Motsepe’s vision to elevate African club football by providing greater financial incentives to participating teams.
The preliminary rounds are already underway, and the financial stakes will rise significantly as clubs progress through the competition stages.
Nigerian clubs have the potential to earn up to $400,000 in the Confederation Cup and $700,000 in the Champions League if they reach the group stages.
The ultimate prize stands at $4 million for the CAF Champions League winner and $2 million for the Confederation Cup champion.
El-Kanemi Warriors will kick off Nigeria’s campaign when they face Dadje FC of Benin Republic at the Remo Stars Stadium on Saturday.
Enyimba will join the fray in the second round of the Confederation Cup. Enugu Rangers are set to battle US Zilimadjou of Comoros at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Sunday, while Remo Stars will renew their rivalry with AS FAR Rabat of Morocco.
