Tuesday August 12, 2025
By TheNewsDESK |
In a decision that will shape Nigeria’s representation in continental football this season, the Confederation of African Football, CAF, has officially approved just two stadiums in Nigeria to host matches for the 2025/26 CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.
Only the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja have met the infrastructure and facility requirements set by CAF, following recent inspections.
As a result, all four Nigerian clubs involved in this season’s continental competitions will have to play their “home” games at these two approved venues.
While Remo Stars and Rivers United will fly the country’s flag in the CAF Champions League, Kwara United and Abia Warriors are the country’s representatives in the CAF Confederation Cup.
With both CAF tournaments running concurrently, fixture scheduling, pitch maintenance, and logistics coordination will be of utmost importance to avoid clashes and overuse of the playing surfaces.
The decision highlights Nigeria’s ongoing challenge with maintaining stadiums that meet international standards. Several traditional venues, including the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan and the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba, failed to pass CAF’s minimum criteria for lighting, dressing rooms, medical facilities, and media infrastructure.
