NIGERIA has retained its four club slots in continental football following Stade Malien’s defeat to CD Lunda. This result ensured that Nigeria edged Mali to secure the 12th position in the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) coefficient rankings by a narrow margin of 0.5 points.
This development is in spite of the Sunday ouster of the country’s last representative on the continent, Enyimba FC from the Confederation Cup. The other three clubs including Remo Stars, Enugu Rangers and El Kanemi could not make it to the group stage of either the Confederation Cup or Champions League. Enyimba FC lost 1-3 to Zamalek of Egypt finishing third on the table behind Zamalek and Al-Masry. The other member of the group is Black Bulls.
While Enyimba FC finished third in their group, Stade Malien finished fourth in theirs with a 0-1 loss to CD Lunda.
With a tie on the CAF co-efficient table, Nigeria will move to number 12 on the table while Mali will drop to number 13.
The top 12 countries will produce four teams for continental football next season.
As a result, Nigerian clubs will continue to have two representatives in the CAF Champions League and two in the CAF Confederation Cup for the upcoming season. This development is a boost for Nigerian football as it provides more opportunities for clubs to compete on the continental stage and enhance the country’s reputation in African football.
Eighteen-Eleven Media