Al Ahly Lead CAF Rankings, Rivers United Ranked 24th
Egyptian giants Al Ahly have once again underlined their dominance on the continent after topping the latest Confederation of African Football (CAF) club rankings released Monday night. South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns sit second, while Nigerian clubs failed to make the top 20, highlighting a worrying decline in the country’s recent performances.
Rivers United are Nigeria’s highest-placed side at 24th, followed by former African champions Enyimba in 35th position. CAF’s ranking system is based on a five-year performance window in both the Champions League and Confederation Cup, with recent seasons carrying greater weight.
Rivers United’s higher placement reflects their relatively stronger showings compared to Enyimba, though both remain far from the continent’s elite.
The rankings underscore Nigeria’s struggles in continental competitions. Rivers United are the only Nigerian team to have reached the group stage of the CAF Champions League in the past eight years, and no other Nigerian side features in the top 75.
The top six clubs are largely those who represented Africa at the maiden FIFA Club World Cup in the United States and last season’s Champions League and Confederation Cup winners.
Behind Al Ahly and Sundowns, the list includes Espérance Sportive of Tunisia, RS Berkane of Morocco, Simba SC of Tanzania, current African champions Pyramids FC of Egypt, Zamalek of Egypt, Wydad AC of Morocco, USM Alger of Algeria, and CR Belouizdad of Algeria.
