Mamelodi Sundowns are African champions after beating AS FAR in the 2025-26 CAF Champions League final. Here is what the season meant for Nigerian football and what comes next.
The 2025-26 CAF Champions League is over, and Mamelodi Sundowns are African football’s champions. The South African giants sealed their second continental title on May 24, 2026, completing a 2-1 aggregate victory over Moroccan side AS FAR in a gripping final played across two legs. It was a commanding performance from a team that dominated the competition from the preliminary rounds all the way through — but for Nigerian football fans, the season was a painful reminder of how far behind the continent’s elite Nigerian clubs currently sit. This CAF Champions League 2025-26 review breaks down everything that happened, what it means for African football, and what Nigeria must do to compete at this level going into 2026-27.
The CAF Champions League remains Africa’s most prestigious club competition. CAF’s official site confirmed Sundowns’ triumph as one of the most complete continental campaigns in recent years. For bettors and fans tracking African football, this result sets the landscape for what is coming next.
Sundowns were simply the best team in Africa in 2025-26. Their route to the final was relentless. When they faced Remo Stars of Nigeria in the second preliminary round in October 2025, the tie was over almost immediately — Sundowns ran out 7-1 winners on aggregate, winning the first leg 5-1 in Ikenne and the second leg 2-0 at Loftus Versfeld. It was a chastening lesson in the gap between NPFL champions and Africa’s elite club sides.
From there, Sundowns cruised through the group stage and knockout rounds, showing the physical intensity and tactical sophistication that makes them the standard all African clubs must measure themselves against. In the final against AS FAR, a 1-0 first-leg victory in Pretoria on May 17 gave them control. The second leg in Rabat on May 24 ended 1-1 — enough for Sundowns to claim the title 2-1 on aggregate. Comfortable. Professional. Worthy.
Remo Stars represented Nigeria in the 2025-26 CAF Champions League as NPFL champions. Expectations were cautious — this was a competitive Remo Stars side that had won the league and earned the right to compete on the continent. However, the gulf between NPFL quality and CAF Champions League elite became brutally clear within 90 minutes.
The 5-1 away defeat in the first leg told the full story. Sundowns pressed with intensity, moved the ball with a pace and precision Remo Stars could not handle, and converted their chances ruthlessly. The return leg ended 2-0, sealing a 7-1 aggregate humiliation. Notably, Remo Stars’ own coach after the tie gave credit to Sundowns — suggesting the better team had absolutely won. This was not a result clouded by bad luck or refereeing decisions. It was a quality gap.
Enyimba FC, who also entered at the preliminary stage, were eliminated at an even earlier round, confirming that Nigeria’s top clubs collectively lack the resources, squad depth, and tactical preparation to compete with North and South African sides at this level.
The reasons Nigerian clubs struggle in the CAF Champions League are structural. Sundowns benefit from South African Premier Soccer League television money, commercial partnerships, a permanent training infrastructure that rivals mid-tier European clubs, and consistent investment in foreign and local talent. Nigerian clubs, even the most successful NPFL sides, operate on budgets that make sustained CAF competition extremely difficult.
However, this is not an impossible gap to close. In 2002-03 and 2003-04, Enyimba won back-to-back CAF Champions Leagues — proving that Nigerian clubs have done it before. The conditions that allowed that success were consistent investment, a settled squad, and smart continental preparation. Remo Stars, Rivers United, and Enyimba all have the talent base to compete, but they need greater institutional support to convert NPFL form into CAF results.
The NPFL 2025-26 table and fixtures confirm that the league itself is growing in quality year by year. The next step is taking that quality into CAF competition.
Despite the disappointment on the pitch, there are reasons to follow the CAF Champions League. First, the competition is genuinely thrilling — Sundowns v AS FAR was a well-contested final with real drama in the second leg. Second, Nigerian players are well represented in these competitions across various squads. Third, for bettors, the CAF Champions League is available on Nigerian bookmakers like Bet9ja and SportyBet, with markets opening each season on group stages and knockout rounds.
From a betting perspective, Mamelodi Sundowns have now established themselves as the default favourites for the 2026-27 CAF Champions League. They defend with the confidence of serial winners and attack with devastating pace on the break. Back them early when group stage markets open — their prices will be shorter once the draw is made. Check the best betting sites in Nigeria for CAF markets as the new season begins.
With the 2025-26 season concluded, attention now turns to 2026-27. Here are the angles Nigerian bettors should keep in mind.
Mamelodi Sundowns to win the 2026-27 CAF Champions League — strong favourite. No other club has shown the consistency or squad depth to challenge them at this point. PSL funding and European-level infrastructure make them the benchmark. Back them early for an outright, before qualifying rounds further confirm their pedigree.
A Nigerian club to reach the group stage in 2026-27 — possible but not certain. Remo Stars or Rivers United, if properly funded and prepared, have the player quality to survive the preliminary rounds. The key is preparation and squad continuity heading into October qualifying fixtures.
North African clubs (AS FAR, Wydad, Zamalek, Al Ahly) to provide Sundowns’ main competition — likely. Egyptian and Moroccan clubs consistently reach the late stages. Al Ahly remain perennial contenders. These matchups produce the best continental football.
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Mamelodi Sundowns are the deserving 2025-26 CAF Champions League winners. They were better than every team they faced, and Nigeria’s clubs were reminded sharply of where they currently stand in the continental pecking order. But this is not a story of hopelessness — it is a roadmap. Enyimba proved Nigerian clubs can win this trophy. With investment, preparation, and proper continental focus, Nigeria’s clubs can return to that level. For now, celebrate Sundowns’ achievement, and follow the 2026-27 draw when it is announced. African football is worth watching — and worth betting on.
