The Confederation of African Football has cancelled the Interclubs Quarter-Finals Preparation Course, earlier scheduled to take place in Cairo, Egypt, from March 4 to 8, 2026, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The elite programme was designed to prepare selected match officials ahead of the decisive knockout rounds of CAF’s premier inter-club competitions, including the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup.

Information gathered indicates that the cancellation was due to visa delays and flight ticket challenges affecting several participants expected to attend the exercise.

The course was aimed at sharpening referees and other officials in critical areas such as game management, Video Assistant Referee application, and interpretation of the Laws of the Game in preparation for the quarter-final fixtures.

CAF is yet to communicate a new date for the programme as Africa’s top-tier club competitions approach their decisive stages.

Rivers United have joined Remo Stars to progress to the next round of the CAF Champions League, while Kwara United and Abia Warriors failed to qualify to the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Pride of Rivers piped FC Les Aigles du Congo at the Godswill Akpabio Intl Stadium, Uyo, to reach the second round of the prestigious competition.

A goal at the brink of the first half by Stephen Manyo was enough to earn Rivers United a 1-0 win and a 1-0 aggregate win in both legs.

It was a different case for other teams representing Nigeria, like Kwara United and Abia Warriors, as they lost to Djoliba and Asante Kotoko, respectively.

Ghanaian club, Asante Kotoko, beat Nigerian club, Kwara United, 1-0 (5-3 on aggregate) to qualify for the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup.

Djoliba won 1-0 to win 2-1 on aggregate at Bamako.

Remo Stars, who triumphed over US Zilimadjou 5-0 on aggregate, progress to the next round with Rivers United.

Uche Dozie

Kwara United's CAF Confederation Cup second leg tie against Asante Kotoko will now be played at the MKO Abiola Sport Arena, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

https://twitter.com/KwaraUnitedFC/status/1970494285985321003?t=YKLKmwUGMpQ0EbAyc__uYw&s=19

The Nigeria Premier Football League side announced the latest development via its social media handles on Tuesday.

The Harmony Boys will execute the crucial encounter against the Ghanaian club based side in Abeokuta instead of Ilorin due to renovation of the stadium at Ilorin.

"Due to ongoing renovations at the Rashidi Yekini Mainbowl, our CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round second leg match against Asante Kotoko of Ghana will now be played at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta", the club states.

The first leg at the Accra Sports Stadium ended 3-4 in favour of Asante Kotoko, leaving the Nigerian side with an herculean task of turning the tide.

MKO Stadium, Stadium, Abeokuta will host the second leg on Sunday September 28, 2025.

Uche Dozie

Nigeria Premier Football League champions, Remo Stars, kick-started their campaign in the CAF Champions League on a great note, while Abia Warriors took a point and Kwara United narrowly lost, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Mixed fortunes greeted Nigeria's representative in the CAF engagements - Champions League and the Confederation Cup.

While it was a sweet taste to savour for the Sky Blue Stars at home, it was not the same for Abia Warriors and especially Kwara United.

Remo Stars pummeled Comoros’ US Zilimadjou with a resounding 4–0 victory at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

Goals from Leonard Ngenge, Ebuka Anthony, Malian forward Adama Goita, and substitute Samson Olasupo ensured a comfortable win for the Nigerian side.

Rivers United had played a goalless draw with Les Aigles du Congo at the iconic Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, DR Congo, earlier on Saturday.

It was goals galore at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday as Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko claimed a thrilling 4–3 victory over Nigeria’s Kwara United in their CAF Confederation Cup first-leg clash.

Emmanuel Antwi fired Kotoko ahead in the 18th minute, but Johnmark Aule equalized for the visitors midway through the first half. Albert Amoah restored Kotoko’s lead on the stroke of halftime, only for Aule to strike again in added time to make it 2–2 at the break.

Asante Kotoko regained the advantage just two minutes into the second half before Amoah extended the lead from the penalty spot in the 70th minute. Kwara United, however, refused to back down, with Shola pulling one back in the 85th minute to set up a tense finale.

Abia Warriors played a 1-1 draw against Malian side Djoliba in the CAF Confederation Cup first-leg clash in Umuahia.

Emeka Obioma gave the Nigerian side the lead with a well-taken header, and the hosts looked on course to take a slim advantage into the return leg. However, Djoliba found an equalizer in the 87th minute, leaving the tie finely balanced.

Uche Dozie

African football governing body, CAF has announced significant changes to its player registration regulations for both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup effective immediately, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports

Participating clubs competing in these tournaments will now be permitted to register players who have already participated in the same competition (either the Champions League or Confederation Cup) for a different club during the same season.

In a related decision, the CAF Executive Committee (EXCO) has also extended the player registration deadline for both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup to February 28, 2025.

This adjustment brings CAF's regulations in line with those governing UEFA's Champions League and Europa League, creating a more consistent and streamlined player registration process across continental competitions.

CAF believes these regulatory changes will enhance the appeal and attractiveness of both the Champions League and Confederation Cup for fans, television viewers, sponsors, and partners, both within Africa and globally.

Furthermore, it is anticipated that these amendments will contribute to raising the overall quality of African clubs participating in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, scheduled to take place in the United States in June and July 2025.

By Oluwadamilola Olaleye

Nigeria's representative in the CAF Confederation Cup, Enyimba FC have crashed out of the competition following their loss to Zamalek SC on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 2-time CAF Champions League winners have struggled in the competition garnering 5 points in the group and needed to win the game to qualify.

However, it was not the case as the People's Elephants as they are called fell 1-3 to the Egyptians at the Cairo Stadium.

Mustafa Shalaby opened score for Zamalek SC in the 29th minutes with an header following a cross from Zico as the Egyptians led 1-0 at half time.

Seifeddine Jaziri doubled the lead 4 minutes into the second half after intercepting the ball from goalkepper Ani Ozoemena who wanted to double pass the player.

Ifeanyi Ihemekwele reduced the deficit for the Nigerian side 3 minutes later, but Jaziri with his second of the day restored the 2-goal the lead in the 88 minutes after an individual brilliance that saw him beat two Enyimba defenders to hit the ball pass goalkepper Ozoemena.

Uche Dozie

Enyimba International’s striker, Brown Ideye, has highlighted the critical importance of defeating Egyptian giants Zamalek SC in their final group-stage encounter of the CAF Confederation Cup. After a frustrating 1-1 draw against Al Masry in Uyo during the fifth round, Enyimba’s hopes of advancing to the quarterfinals now rest entirely on securing all three points in Cairo next weekend.

Speaking on the task ahead, Ideye underscored the magnitude of the challenge but remained optimistic about his team’s chances.

“It’s a must-win match for us,” Ideye stated. “Zamalek are a strong team, but we are determined to secure the maximum points.”

Zamalek, the defending champions and group leaders, have already booked their spot in the quarterfinals with an impressive tally of 11 points. This dominant position may give Enyimba a glimmer of hope, as the Egyptian side might opt to rest key players for the match.

“They’ve already qualified for the next round and might rest some key players,” Ideye noted, acknowledging the possibility of Zamalek fielding a rotated squad.

However, the Nigerian outfit must approach the match with a sense of urgency and focus, knowing that anything less than a win will see them exit the competition.

Enyimba’s chairman, former Super Eagles legend Nwankwo Kanu, has stepped in to inspire the team ahead of the decisive game. According to Ideye, Kanu’s words of encouragement have reinforced the belief that progression to the quarterfinals is still within reach.

[caption id="attachment_757646" align="aligncenter" width="474"] Ideye celebrating a goal with Enyimba teammate[/caption]

“The chairman (Nwankwo Kanu) has spoken to us, and I believe it’s still possible to win this match,” Ideye affirmed.

Currently sitting third in their group with just four points, Enyimba faces a daunting task against a Zamalek side that has been in fine form. Nevertheless, the People's Elephant will rely on their experience and resilience to rise to the occasion.

With the stakes at their highest, Enyimba’s trip to Cairo promises to be a thrilling encounter that could define their season. Fans will hope that Ideye and his teammates can deliver a performance worthy of their ambitions and keep their Confederation Cup dreams alive.

Oluwayemi Omolagba

Following Zamalek SC's qualification for the quarterfinals of the CAF Confederation Cup, assistant coach Amir Azmin Mujahid has expressed confidence in facing Nigeria's Enyimba International in the final group stage match, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

The defending champions are set to host the People's Elephant at the Cairo International Stadium next weekend, and Mujahid believes his team is well-positioned to perform comfortably.

Speaking after Zamalek's 3-1 victory against Black Bulls on Sunday, Mujahid emphasized the significance of the win in securing early qualification.

"We were eager to secure qualification before the final round to prepare all players and play more comfortably in the upcoming match against Nigeria's Enyimba," he said.

The win elevated Zamalek SC to the top of their group with 11 points, guaranteeing their spot in the quarterfinals. The White Knights demonstrated dominance throughout the group stages, with their latest victory at the Cairo International Stadium further solidifying their credentials as tournament favorites.

Group Standings Update

While Zamalek leads the group, the situation is less favorable for the other teams. Black Bulls, with only 4 points, are at the bottom of the table and have been eliminated from contention. Al Masry currently occupies second place with 6 points, just one point ahead of Enyimba, who are 5 points following their 1-1 draw with Al Masry.

Enyimba's hopes for progression now rest on their performance in Cairo, a game that promises to be a high-stakes encounter. The Nigerian side, coached by Yemi Daniel Olanrewaju, will need a victory against the formidable Zamalek side to have any chance of advancing.

Zamalek's Confidence

For Zamalek, the match against Enyimba provides an opportunity to rotate players and test strategies ahead of the knockout stage. However, with the prestige of topping the group at stake, the White Knights are unlikely to take their opponents lightly. Mujahid’s remarks suggest that Zamalek’s technical team views this fixture as an important test to maintain their momentum and fine-tune their squad.

As the match approaches, all eyes will be on Cairo International Stadium to see whether Zamalek can extend their dominance or if Enyimba can pull off a dramatic upset to keep their campaign alive.

Oluwayemi Omolagba

Nigeria's only remaining representative in the CAF Confederation Cup, Enyimba FC was held by Egyptian side, Al Masry in Uyo on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The People's Elephant played a 1-1 against the Eagles at the Godswil Akpabio International Stadium.

The Egyptians were in front as early as the 8th minute with a goal from Mohamed Hashem with a timed header to beat goalkeeper Ani Ozoemena.

Nevertheless, the hosts were back in the game with a fine header by Ifeanyi Ihemekwele to draw level in the 47th minute.

The visitors could have restored their lead in the 50th minute but Ozoemena did well to save from the spot and keep things the same.

The score remained 1-1 at full time as the People’s Elephant now find themselves one point behind Al Masry in second spot.

They travel to Egypt for a must-win game against Zamalek SC next week.

Uche Dozie

Record-winning champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League's poor run of form continued as they fell like a pack of cards in the continent following their heavy loss to Black Bulls of Mozambique, Nigeroasoccernet.com reports.

The People's Elephant capitulated 0-3 in Maputo after 90 minutes, leaving them bottom of Group D with a point.

Two Nigerians, Rume Akporoh and Francis Ayuba, scored against the famous Nigerian club to give the Black Bulls their first-ever win in the group stage of a CAF club competition.

Rume Akporoh opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a well-placed header from a corner kick delivery while Fidel Suosa finishing off the delivery from another corner gave the hosts a 2-0 lead in the 57th minute before Ayuba Francis, Former Nigeria U-20 put the game beyond Enyimba seven minutes later.

Coach Yemi Olanrewaju’s side is at rock bottom with one point, while Black Bulls have four points after three matches and are in third place due to an inferior goal difference.

Uche Dozie

Enyimba FC has officially departed Nigeria for their CAF Confederation Cup fixture against Black Bulls of Mozambique, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

The team, also known as the People's Elephant, left Sam Mbakwe International Airport in Owerri on Thursday. The delegation, which includes players and club officials, took a flight via United Airlines to Lagos before boarding another flight to Maputo.

They are expected to arrive in Mozambique's capital city on Friday, ahead of their highly anticipated match.

The upcoming clash will take place at the Estádio do Zimpeto in Maputo on Sunday. Enyimba has so far accumulated one point from their opening two matches in the competition, and they will be aiming to improve their standing as they face the Black Bulls.

With the team in good spirits, attention now turns to their performance on Sunday as they seek to gain vital points for progression in the tournament.

Enyimba's journey in the CAF Confederation Cup continues, and their supporters are hopeful for a strong showing from the team.

Oluwayemi Omolagba

Nigeria's remaining representative in the CAF Confederation Cup, Enyimba FC struggled to a 2-2 draw against Egyptian giants, Zamalek in Nigeria on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 9-time Nigeria Premier Football League champions rallied to get a 2-2 draw against the reigning Champions at the Godswil Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

The Egyptian side was ahead in the 35th minute with a goal from Tunisian Seifeddine Jaziri who put the ball beyond Ozomena in fine fashion.

Palestine national team forward Omar Faraj scored his first goal for the club to make it 2-0 for the visitors over Enyimba

The People’s Elephant scored just before halftime through Ifeanyi Ihemekwele who reduced the deficit in added minutes.

Chinedu Ufere equalised for the Aba Elephants with a deflected shot in 57 minutes as Enyimba poured forward in search of the elusive win.

The draw leaves Enyimba third in the standings with one point from two games while Zamalek occupies the second spot with four points same as leaders Al Masry who drew 1-1 away to Black Bulls.

Uche Dozie

Veteran Nigerian referee Joseph Ogabor is set to officiate the CAF Confederation Cup Group C encounter between Black Bulls of Mozambique and Egypt's Al Masry, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

The match, scheduled for Sunday at the Stadio Zimpero in Maputo, Mozambique, will see Ogabor lead a team of officials that includes assistant referees Abdulmajeed Usman Olaide and Yakubu Mohammed.

Nigerian referee Abubakar Abdulahi will serve as the fourth official for the game. Additionally, Burundi’s Mfubusa Bernard will take on the role of referee assessor, overseeing the officiating standards for the clash.

This high-profile match in the CAF Confederation Cup will be closely monitored by the continental football body, with Ogabor's experience expected to ensure a smooth and fair contest.

Oluwayemi Omolagba

Nigeria's sole representative, Enyimba FC, was defeated in their first group-stage game in the CAF Confederation Cup against Al Masry on Wednesday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Mohammed Hashem's goals in both halves were enough for Al Masry to beat the Nigerians at the Suez Canal Stadium in Egypt.

Hashem opened the score in the 5th minute after a defensive mix-up from a free kick kept the hosts' player on. He fired past Ozoemena in goal.

The Eagles held to the lead till the end of the first half and consolidated it after 74 minutes played in the game.

A fine team play saw Shabi give a low cross from the left into the 18-yard box which was connected well by Hashem to make it 2-0.

The hosts held on to get maximum points as Enyimba will now regroup for their next game against Zamalek in Nigeria by December 8.

Uche Dozie

Nigeria’s sole continental representative, Enyimba have landed in Egypt for their Group D opener in the CAF Confederation Cup against Al Masry, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The players and Coaching crew left the shores of Nigeria on board a United Nigeria Airline on Saturday to arrive on Sunday ahead of the game.

The People's Elephants who have not particularly been at their best this season will seek to kick start their campaign on a high in Egypt.

The match comes up on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at 5pm in Tangier.

Uche Dozie

Al Masry coach, Ali Maher has set his sights on qualifying for the next round of the Confederation Cup, despite being drawn alongside rivals Zamalek, Nigeria's Enyimba International, and Mozambique's Black Bulls, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Maher remains focused on advancing from the group stage.

"Our objective is to advance to the next round, regardless of our opponents," Maher told the club's media.

The Egyptian side is well aware of the challenges posed by Zamalek, with whom they share a fierce rivalry.

"We are well aware of Zamalek's strengths, and they are familiar with ours," Maher acknowledged.

Al Masry's best Confederation Cup performance came in 2018, when they reached the semi-finals before being eliminated by Vita Club.

The Confederation Cup group stage kicks off in November, with Al Masry facing a stern test of their credentials.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

Enyimba FC defeated Étoile Filante de Ouagadougou on penalties at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Sunday after both legs ended in a goalless draw.

After an end-to-end encounter with nothing to choose between the two sides, the game for penalties.

A decisive kick by Étoile Filante 's goalkeeper which was missed sealed the destiny of the People's Elephant at the end of the day.

Enyimba FC is now the only Nigerian team on the continent after the elimination of Remo Stars, El Kanemi Warriors, and reigning league champions, Rangers International.

Uche Dozie 

Ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup second leg tie with Étoile Filante de Ouagadougou of Burkina Faso, Enyimba were seen intensifying preparations for the Sunday game in Uyo, Nigeriasoccernet.com writes.

Playing a goalless draw in Ouagadougou last weekend, Enyimba will have their hands full when they welcome Étoile Filante to Uyo, their adopted home ground for the 2024/25 CAF Confederation Cup games.

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With the away goal rule still active in Africa, Enyimba while trying to beat their opponent on Sunday must avoid conceding any goals.

The winner of this second preliminary stage will qualify for the Confederation Cup's group stages which is set to kick off later this this year.

Enyimba was the last Nigerian team to win any  CAF Continental trophy and it last happened in the year 2004 when they won their second consecutive CAF Champions League trophy.

Coach Yemi Olanrewaju hopes he can help bring back those glorious days to Enyimba's fans and Nigerians at large but first will have to overcome Sunday's hurdle in Étoile Filante de Ouagadougou.

Oluwayemi Omolagba

Nine-time Nigeria Premier Football League champions Enyimba FC have arrived in Uyo to begin training preparations for their CAF Confederation Cup clash against Burkina Faso's Etoile Filante, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The second leg of the second preliminary round tie is scheduled to be held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on 22 September.

The first leg played in Bamako, Mali, ended goalless, setting up a winner-takes-all encounter in Uyo.

https://twitter.com/enyimbafc/status/1836420579341082657?s=46

Enyimba, seeking to advance to the next round, will utilize the training sessions to fine-tune their strategy and build momentum ahead of the crucial match.

Coach Olarenwaju Yemi will look to inspire his team, to secure a decisive victory and progress in the competition.

The CAF Confederation Cup tie promises to be an intense encounter, with Enyimba's experience and home advantage pitted against Etoile Filante's determination to cause an upset.

Kick-off is scheduled for 22 September at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

Enyimba FC head coach Yemi Olanrewaju has underscored the necessity of staying focused despite their goalless draw with Etoile Filante in the CAF Confederation Cup second-round first leg, as reported by Nigeriasoccernet.com.

The match in Bamako on Friday ended 0-0, with Olanrewaju commending his team's tactical discipline that prevented Etoile Filante from capitalizing on scoring opportunities. Although Enyimba created several promising chances, they failed to score.

Olanrewaju stressed the importance of continued preparation for the return leg, set to take place on September 22, 2024, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

"We had a good game. It's a game that we dominated but it is sad that we didn't control the outcome 100%. We created like three/four chances that would have been a goal. I think I have to give credit to the boys for being tactically disciplined. We were able to cut out their threats from the left side of the team and I don't think anything was created against us except a corner kick."

"The job is not yet done. We can't celebrate anything until we seal everything next weekend in Uyo. For now, there is still a lot of work to be done. They are a good and decent side but tactically we had an edge and our game plan worked. We have to go back home to prepare and work harder to get the job done.”

Oluwayemi Omolagba