Nigerian football fans will be disappointed to learn that no Nigerian clubs will be participating in the revamped FIFA Club World Cup kicking off in the United States in 2025.
The tournament, featuring 32 teams for the first time, promises to be a global showcase of footballing talent. The format includes a group stage followed by a knockout phase, culminating in the crowning of a world club champion.
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Participation in the Club World Cup is based on a points system that rewards consistent success in continental Champions League competitions over the past four years. Each confederation receives a set number of slots:
UEFA (Europe): 12 clubs
CONMEBOL (South America): 6 clubs
AFC (Asia), CAF (Africa), CONCACAF (North, Central America and the Caribbean): 4 clubs each
OFC (Oceania): 1 club
Host nation (USA): 1 automatic qualifier
African Representation
Currently, two teams from Africa have secured their spots:
Al Ahly SC (Egypt): Champions League winners in 2021 and 2023.
Wydad Athletic Club Casablanca (Morocco): Champions League winner in 2022.
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The remaining two African slots will be determined by the ongoing African Champions League (LdC 2023/24). Frontrunners include:
However, other teams like TP Mazembe, ASEC Mimosas, Petro Atletico, Simba SC, and Young Africans (all currently in the quarter-finals) would need to win the entire Champions League to qualify.
Despite Enyimba’s strong performance in the past and participation in the inaugural African Football League, their absence from the revamped Club World Cup reflects the challenges faced by Nigerian clubs in recent seasons.
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