Enyimba, Nigeria’s last standing representative in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) interclub competitions, were eliminated from the 2024/25 CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday.
The two-time African champions fell 3-1 to Egyptian giants Zamalek in Cairo, sealing a disappointing campaign for the Aba-based club.
Enyimba entered the match needing an unlikely victory to keep their quarter-final hopes alive.
However, their aspirations were dashed as goals from Mostafa Shalaby and Seifeddine Jaziri gave the Egyptian giants the win, despite Ifeanyi Ihemekwele's strike momentarily threatening to make the contest exciting.
Enyimba: Group stage summary & Nigeria coefficient implication
Enyimba finished third in Group C with five points, four adrift of Al Masry who secured the second qualification spot alongside group winners Zamalek.
A poor away record plagued the Nigerian champions, with no points earned on the road and eight goals conceded in their travels.
Enyimba also scored just one goal on the road to show poor marksmanship within their ranks on away days.
Enyimba’s elimination had wider implications for Nigeria’s standing in CAF competitions.
Coming into the final round of group-stage matches, Nigeria was tied with Mali for 12th place in the CAF coefficient rankings.
This position guarantees four continental slots: two for the CAF Champions League and two for the CAF Confederation Cup.
Mali’s representatives, Djoliba AC and Stade Malien, had contrasting fortunes. Djoliba AC suffered a heavy defeat to Pyramids in the CAF Champions League, while Stade Malien only needed a draw to secure Mali’s position at 12th.
However, a shocking 1-0 loss to Angola’s CD Lunda Sul handed Nigeria a lifeline, ensuring Nigeria retained its 12th position and four continental slots.
The path ahead
The close competition between Nigeria, Mali, and even Côte d'Ivoire highlights the urgent need for Nigerian clubs to improve their performances in CAF competitions.
Since Enyimba’s back-to-back CAF Champions League victories in 2003 and 2004, Nigerian clubs have struggled to make a significant impact.
Rivers United’s quarter-final appearance in the 2022/23 CAF Confederation Cup remains the most notable achievement in recent years.
To maintain their four slots and avoid future risks of losing spots, Nigerian teams must prioritise better preparation, stronger squad depth, and consistent performances both at home and abroad.
Success in CAF competitions is critical not only for maintaining Nigeria’s coefficient, but also for restoring the country’s reputation as a powerhouse of African football.
The country also needs to prioritise the quality of stadiums our clubs play in, as occasioned by how this season panned out.
El-Kanemi's stadium did not meet CAF's requirements and had to play in Ikenne, 540km from the home base while Rangers and Enyimba all played in Uyo, away from their traditional bases. This undeniably contributed to their low output.
Nigeria have ridden their luck so far, but more work needs to be done to justify having four slots on the continent's prestigious club football competitions.
