Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi has expressed his delight after helping Hull City secure a memorable 2-0 victory over Manchester United in their Premier League opener at the MKM Stadium on Saturday, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

Ajayi opened the scoring in the 17th minute, reacting quickest after United goalkeeper Senne Lammens had denied Oli McBurnie from a corner. His effort marked Hull City’s first Premier League goal in nine years.

The Nigeria international was delighted to play a decisive role in the Tigers’ impressive victory and praised the team’s strong start to the encounter.

“It was amazing. It kind of capped off the really good start that we had. We had a couple of chances before that which we didn’t manage to put away, but obviously that one got us into the lead, and also gave us something to protect, but also build on,” Ajayi told TNT Sports.

“I’m buzzing to get the goal to get us underway. I’m happy it left us getting three points.”

Despite the impressive victory, Ajayi has urged his teammates to remain focused and avoid getting carried away by the result.

The experienced centre-back stressed that Hull must continue to believe in themselves and concentrate on their performances rather than external expectations.

“We’re not really focusing on outside noise. We’re just worried about what goes on in the changing room. We know what we’ve got in the changing room, we believe in ourselves, and we back ourselves to do our best every single day,” he added.

“So, more performances like this, and hopefully, we’ll have a really, really positive season.”

Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi was on target as newly promoted Hull City stunned Manchester United 2-0 in a dominant opening-day display at the KC Stadium on Saturday, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

Ajayi opened the scoring in the 17th minute, rising highest to head home from a corner and give Hull a deserved lead.

The hosts doubled their advantage three minutes before half-time when Nobel Mendy powered a header past the United defence from Regan Slater’s free-kick delivery.

Both goals exposed Manchester United’s vulnerability from set pieces, with Michael Carrick’s side struggling to deal with Hull’s deliveries into the penalty area.

United improved after the break but failed to create enough clear-cut opportunities to mount a comeback. Marcus Rashford, who returned from a loan spell at Barcelona and was handed the No. 9 shirt, came on at half-time but could not inspire a turnaround.

The defeat gives Carrick plenty to address after his first Premier League game as United’s permanent head coach, while the club’s long wait for another league title continues following their last triumph in 2013 under Sir Alex Ferguson.

For Hull, the victory marked an emphatic return to the Premier League after securing promotion last season. Sergej Jakirovic’s side produced a disciplined display to claim a statement win against one of England’s biggest clubs.

Hull midfielder Slater summed up the result after the match, saying: “We picked up where we left off.”

The victory gives Hull an ideal start to their top-flight campaign, while United will look to respond when they host fellow promoted side Ipswich Town at Old Trafford next weekend.

Super Eagles winger Bright Ejuke was on target as Sevilla started their La Liga campaign with an impressive 3-1 away victory over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday evening, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Sevilla took control early when Oso opened the scoring in the 15th minute, giving the visitors a deserved advantage.

Ejuke then doubled Sevilla’s lead five minutes after the restart, finding the net in the 50th minute to put his side firmly in control.

Romero added Sevilla’s third goal in the 57th minute, leaving Athletic Bilbao with a difficult task.

The hosts managed to pull one back through Paredes, but Sevilla remained composed to secure all three points.

Ejuke’s goal capped a strong individual display and provided an early boost for the Nigerian winger as Sevilla began the new La Liga season on a winning note.

Nigeria international Nathan Tella opened his goalscoring account for the new season as Bayer Leverkusen cruised to a 4-0 victory over Wehen Wiesbaden in the DFB-Pokal on Saturday, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

Tella came off the bench and made an immediate impact, scoring Leverkusen’s third goal just four minutes after his introduction.

The winger replaced Fernandez in the 65th minute before finding the net in the 69th minute to cap an impressive cameo and help Leverkusen secure their place in the next round.

Patrik Schick opened the scoring shortly before half-time, while Lucas Vázquez doubled Leverkusen’s advantage two minutes after the restart.

Christian Kofane completed the rout in the 79th minute as the Bundesliga side maintained control throughout the encounter.

Leverkusen dominated possession with 71 per cent compared to Wehen Wiesbaden’s 29 per cent, while the hosts struggled to create any significant threat.

Tella’s goal provides an early boost as he looks to establish himself as a more prominent figure in Leverkusen’s plans this season.

His fellow Nigerian, Victor Boniface, remained an unused substitute as he continues his return to the Leverkusen squad following his loan spell at Werder Bremen last season.

Nigeria’s football crisis has taken a new turn as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have launched investigations into the utilisation of a ?12 billion Federal Government intervention fund released to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The fund was reportedly approved to clear outstanding players’ allowances and bonuses, as well as salaries owed to coaches employed by the federation.

According to reports by SaharaReporters and THISDAY, financial records and utilisation documents relating to the fund are now with the two anti-graft agencies as part of their investigation.

The NFF has acknowledged that it is being investigated by both agencies. In a letter dated August 18, 2026, the federation said it could not release financial records requested under the Freedom of Information Act because the matter was already under investigation.

The letter, referenced NFF/LEG/10/1/879 and signed by Onoja Joshua, Esq., on behalf of NFF General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi, was sent to the Principal Partner of Cromwell & Okeke.

The request had sought access to financial records and other documents detailing how the ?12 billion intervention fund was utilised.

The investigation comes amid growing criticism of the administration of Nigerian football following a series of failures by the country's national teams.

The Super Falcons, defending champions at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, were eliminated in the quarter-finals before losing 2-1 to South Africa in the World Cup qualification playoff. The result means Nigeria will miss the FIFA Women's World Cup for the first time since the tournament began in 1991.

The Super Eagles also failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the country's U-20 and U-17 teams have suffered setbacks in their respective World Cup qualification campaigns.

The latest development further increases pressure on the Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF administration, which is preparing for an elective congress scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The investigation into the ?12 billion fund is expected to place further scrutiny on the federation's financial management and could become a major issue as stakeholders debate the future direction of Nigerian football.

Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare has drawn a line under his difficult spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers and is focused on making the most of his new chapter at Ajax, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Arokodare made an immediate impact for the Dutch giants in their 4-2 UEFA Conference League play-off victory over FC Sion on Thursday, scoring just 43 seconds after coming off the bench and later providing an assist.

The 25-year-old rose above the Sion defence to head Ajax back in front after the hosts had fought back to level, before setting up Davy Klaassen for the fourth goal in the 87th minute.

Reflecting on his difficult period at Wolves, Arokodare insisted he has moved on from the experience and is determined to focus on improving with Ajax.

“I don’t think there’s a real reason or there’s a real excuse. I think it’s part of the game,” Arokodare told ESPN.

“As players, we have seasons and moments like this in our careers, and it’s something to learn from, that I’ve moved on from, and I’m focused on the new season.

“I’ve been preparing well with the Ajax team and the players, and I’m focused on this season. I’m focused on getting better, focused on better things for myself. Focused on not making the same mistakes I did. That’s all I’m focused on. Not focused on last season.”

The Nigerian joined Ajax from Wolves on a season-long loan and has made a promising start, recording one goal and two assists in four appearances despite limited playing time.

He made his Ajax debut against PEC Zwolle on August 9, coming off the bench to assist Jorthy Mokio in a 2-0 victory before featuring as a substitute against Shelbourne and SC Heerenveen.

His latest performance earned praise from Ajax head coach Míchel Sánchez, who highlighted the striker’s energy, work rate and ability to influence games after coming on.

“Tolu brought a lot of energy when he came on. He works hard, he scores, and he helps us,” Míchel told Ajax Life, per Goal.

The Spanish coach also praised Arokodare’s character, adding: “He has a good character. I think he is a nice boy. I hope he keeps helping us in this way.”

Ajax will take a 4-2 advantage into the second leg at the Johan Cruijff Arena next week as they seek to secure their place in the Conference League league phase.

For Arokodare, his latest contribution could strengthen his push for more playing time as Ajax navigate a demanding schedule.

Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika made an impressive competitive debut for Eintracht Frankfurt as the Bundesliga side thrashed SC St. Tönis 11-0 in the first round of the DFB-Pokal on Friday, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Onyedika played the full 90 minutes as Frankfurt dominated from start to finish, recording the biggest victory in the club’s history in the German Cup. His performance earned him an impressive 9.1 rating from SofaScore.

Only three of the 32 players involved in the match received higher ratings than the Nigerian. Jonathan Burkardt and Can Uzun both earned perfect 10.0 ratings, while defender Robin Koch finished with 9.3.

Frankfurt raced into a two-goal lead within the opening 10 minutes, with Burkardt heading home in the fourth minute before Koch doubled the advantage six minutes later.

Ayoube Amaimouni added a third in the 17th minute before Burkardt scored again in the 29th. Uzun then struck twice within two minutes, with Burkardt completing his hat-trick in the 41st minute.

Further goals from Elias Baum, Younes Ebnoutalib and Mario Götze sent Frankfurt into the break 10-0 ahead, setting a new record for the highest half-time score in DFB-Pokal history.

Farès Chaïbi completed the rout with the 11th goal in the 87th minute as Frankfurt comfortably booked their place in the second round.

Operating primarily as a defensive midfielder, Onyedika’s contribution went beyond the scoresheet. The Nigerian helped shield Frankfurt’s defence, controlled possession and provided the platform for the club’s attacking players to operate with greater freedom.

Onyedika joined Frankfurt from Club Brugge earlier this month on a contract running until 2031. He arrived in Germany with 24 Champions League appearances and four seasons of regular first-team football in Belgium under his belt.

The emphatic victory provides the Nigerian with an excellent start to his new chapter in Germany as Frankfurt continue their 2026/27 campaign.

Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi is set to undergo a medical at Hamburg on Saturday ahead of his permanent transfer to the Bundesliga club, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

According to transfer expert Fabrice Hawkins, Hamburg have reached an agreement with OGC Nice for the Nigerian international, with the French club expected to receive €2.5 million, including bonuses, for the 27-year-old forward.

Moffi is expected to complete his medical before signing a contract that will keep him at Hamburg until June 2029.

The move will provide the striker with an opportunity to revive his career after a difficult spell at Nice. Moffi spent the second half of last season on loan at Portuguese giants FC Porto, where he scored once and provided one assist in nine league appearances.

He was also part of the Porto squad that won the Portuguese league title.

Moffi initially joined Nice on loan from Lorient in January 2023 before completing a permanent transfer later that year. He went on to score 24 goals in 72 appearances across all competitions for the French club.

However, his time at Nice was disrupted last season following an incident involving supporters after the club’s 3-1 defeat away to his former side Lorient in November. Moffi was subsequently placed on sick leave for a week before moving to Porto on loan.

The Nigerian striker will now look to make a fresh start in Germany, with Hamburg hoping his goals can help strengthen their attack in the Bundesliga.

Arsenal began their Premier League title defence impressively, cruising to a 3-0 victory over newly promoted Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium on Friday, with Nigeria internationals Frank Onyeka and Taiwo Awoniyi featuring for the visitors, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

Onyeka started and completed the entire game, while Awoniyi, who only joined Coventry from Nottingham Forest a few days earlier, was introduced with 20 minutes remaining. Neither Nigerian could prevent the Sky Blues from suffering a difficult return to the top flight.

Mikel Arteta’s side established control early and took the lead in the 15th minute through Kai Havertz before Bukayo Saka doubled the advantage eight minutes later.

Captain Martin Ødegaard completed the scoring four minutes after the restart as Arsenal secured a comfortable opening-day victory.

The result also marked Arteta’s 150th Premier League win as Arsenal manager, achieved in his 249th game in charge. Only Pep Guardiola, José Mourinho, Jürgen Klopp and Sir Alex Ferguson reached the milestone in fewer matches.

Arsenal entered the new campaign among the favourites after ending a 22-year wait for the Premier League title last season. The Gunners will now look to defend their crown and secure consecutive league championships for the first time since their three-title run between 1932 and 1935.

Arteta handed Christos Tzolis a starting debut, while major summer signing Bruno Guimarães missed the game after picking up a knock in the Community Shield victory over Manchester City.

Arsenal will face their first away test of the season when they travel to Villa Park to take on Aston Villa on Monday, August 31. The Gunners will be seeking revenge after suffering a 2-1 defeat at the Midlands club on their previous visit.

Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze has retained his No. 21 shirt at AC Milan ahead of the new Serie A season, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Chukwueze spent last season on loan at Fulham, where he enjoyed a resurgence after struggling to establish himself as a regular at the Italian club.

The Nigerian winger was reunited with compatriots Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi at Fulham and quickly earned the confidence of the coaching staff and supporters with his performances.

A permanent move to Fulham was reportedly considered during the summer, but the two clubs were unable to reach an agreement, leaving Chukwueze back at Milan.

With the new Serie A season set to begin this weekend, Milan have formalised their squad numbers, with Chukwueze keeping the No. 21 jersey.

The decision is another indication that the Nigerian remains part of Milan's plans as the club prepare for the new campaign.

Chukwueze will now hope to carry the confidence gained from his successful spell in England into the new season and establish himself as an important player at San Siro.

The Nigeria National League (NNL) has confirmed Saturday, October 31, 2026, as the official kickoff date for the 2026/27 season, with Heartland FC and Crown FC set to headline the opening weekend.

The season will begin with a star match between Heartland and Crown on October 31, while the remaining Matchday 1 fixtures are scheduled to be played across the weekend of November 7.

With the new campaign fast approaching, participating clubs are expected to intensify preparations as they battle for promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The 2026/27 season promises another competitive campaign in Nigeria’s second-tier football competition, with established clubs and emerging sides aiming to secure promotion and strengthen their status in the domestic game.

The Nigeria National League (NNL) has released the conference structure for the 2026/27 season, with the 34 participating clubs divided into four groups for the new campaign, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Conferences A and B will each feature nine teams, while Conferences C and D will consist of eight clubs. The arrangement brings together a mixture of established teams and emerging sides from different parts of the country.

Conference A

Remo Stars, Ogun

Edel FC, Anambra

Godswill Akpabio FC

Eko United, Lagos

Stormers Sporting Club, Ogun

Heartland FC, Owerri

Crown FC, Oyo

Sunshine Stars, Ondo

OYC FC, Delta

Conference B

Beyond Limits, Ogun

Solution FC, Awka

Akwa United, Uyo

Smart City, Lagos

Abakaliki FC, Ebonyi

Right-2-Win FC, Abia

Dokkar Khairu FC, Osun

Ekiti United, Ekiti

Bayelsa United, Yenagoa

Conference C

El-Kanemi Warriors, Maiduguri

DMD FC

FC Basira, Lafia, Nasarawa

Neurosparks FC, Abuja

Kebbi United

Adamawa United

Jigawa Golden Stars

Damburan FC, Katsina

Conference D

Yobe Desert Warriors

Wikki Tourists, Bauchi

Lobi Stars, Benue

ABS FC, Ilorin

Sokoto United

Bichi First FC, Kano

Kada Warriors FC, Kaduna

Mighty Jets Feeders/Bida Lions

The confirmed structure sets the stage for another competitive season in Nigeria's second tier, with clubs expected to intensify preparations ahead of the start of the 2026/27 campaign.

The NNL continues to serve as an important pathway to the Nigeria Premier Football League, with promotion to the top flight providing a major incentive for clubs competing across the four conferences.

Attention will now shift to the commencement of the campaign as the participating teams battle for promotion and the chance to establish themselves among Nigeria's elite clubs.

C2E Sports Academy and Obosa Queens FA have secured promotion to the NWFL Championship and will contest the inaugural NWFL Nationwide 2026 final after winning their respective semi-final matches at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

C2E Sports Academy booked their place in the final with a 4-2 comeback victory over Kwara United Queens.

Kwara United Queens took an early lead through Oluwabunkunmi Azeez in the third minute before an own goal from Omobolanle Abdulganiu brought C2E level shortly before half-time.

Amarachi Nnorom restored Kwara United Queens' advantage two minutes after the restart, but C2E responded strongly.

Chidinma Gideon equalised in the 52nd minute before Taiwo Omoniyi's own goal gave C2E the lead in the 74th minute. Agnes Ohuche then completed the scoring with an 87th-minute strike.

Obosa Queens FA also produced a 4-2 comeback victory, overcoming Onimarg FC in the second semi-final.

Victoria Yakubu put Onimarg ahead in the 10th minute before Chinemerem Nnachi restored parity three minutes later. Adeomo Lovelyn then restored Onimarg's lead in the 33rd minute.

Obosa Queens, however, turned the contest around through Idowu Saidat, who scored in first-half stoppage time and again in the 55th minute to put her side ahead.

Aliu Rofia added a fourth goal in the 92nd minute to complete the comeback and secure Obosa Queens' place in the final.

Both finalists have already secured promotion to the NWFL Championship, leaving the title decider to determine the maiden NWFL Nationwide champion.

C2E Sports Academy and Obosa Queens FA will now face off at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba for the inaugural championship trophy.

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen continued his remarkable start to the Turkish Süper Lig season, scoring twice and providing an assist as Galatasaray cruised to a 4-0 away victory over Erzurumspor FK on Friday, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The Nigeria international was involved in Galatasaray’s second goal in the 20th minute, breaking into space before picking out Yunus Akgün with a perfectly weighted pass. Akgün finished the opportunity to give the reigning champions a 2-0 lead after Roland Sallai’s opener.

Osimhen then capitalised on a defensive mistake shortly before half-time. A poor back-pass left goalkeeper Matija Orbani? exposed, allowing the 27-year-old forward to pounce and calmly roll the ball into an empty net.

The striker completed his brace in the 79th minute, meeting a cross and stabbing the ball home to round off another impressive individual display.

The brace means Osimhen has scored twice in each of his first two Süper Lig appearances this season, following his double in Galatasaray’s opening-day victory over Çorum FK.

He now has four league goals and one assist from two appearances, making him an early contender for the Turkish Süper Lig Golden Boot.

Osimhen will be looking to continue his goalscoring form when Galatasaray host Göztepe in their third league fixture of the season on Friday, August 29.

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has promised to bring goals and hard work to Coventry City as the newly promoted side prepares to return to the Premier League against Arsenal on Friday, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Awoniyi completed his move to Coventry City from Nottingham Forest in August 2026 after spending four seasons at the City Ground. The Nigerian forward is now determined to make an immediate impact with his new club.

“I think for sure, goals. Like I said, goals and hard work as well,” Awoniyi said.

The striker also revealed that legendary forwards such as former Nigeria international Rashidi Yekini, Thierry Henry and Didier Drogba have influenced his approach to the game.

“When I watch the video clip of the late Rashidi Yekini of Nigeria and Thierry Henry and, of course, Didier Drogba,” he added.

Awoniyi will link up with fellow Super Eagles international Frank Onyeka at Coventry, with both Nigerians expected to play important roles as the club looks to establish itself in the Premier League.

The 29-year-old enjoyed four years with Nottingham Forest, scoring 23 goals in 103 appearances before completing his move to Coventry.

He also played an important role in helping Forest retain their Premier League status and reach the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.

Awoniyi will now hope to translate his experience into goals as Coventry begin their top-flight campaign with a difficult trip to Arsenal.

Super Eagles duo Taiwo Awoniyi and Frank Onyeka are set to help Coventry City begin their return to the Premier League when they face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The fixture will mark Coventry’s first appearance in England’s top flight since the 2000/01 season after Frank Lampard’s side secured promotion from the Sky Bet Championship last term.

Onyeka played an important role in Coventry’s promotion campaign after joining the club on loan from Brentford in January. The 28-year-old midfielder made 14 league appearances during the second half of the season, scoring once.

The Nigeria international quickly became a key figure in Lampard’s midfield and will now get the opportunity to test himself in the Premier League with the Sky Blues.

Awoniyi, meanwhile, joined Coventry permanently from Nottingham Forest earlier this week, bringing considerable Premier League experience to Lampard’s squad.

The 29-year-old ended his four-year spell at Forest following his move to the CBS Arena and will be keen to make an immediate impact with his new club.

Awoniyi endured a difficult period at Forest, struggling to secure regular playing time over the last two seasons. His move to Coventry provides the former Union Berlin striker with an opportunity to revive his career and play a significant role in the club’s fight for Premier League survival.

Coventry will face a major early test against Arsenal, with Awoniyi and Onyeka hoping to help the newly promoted side begin their top-flight campaign on a positive note.

Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare has expressed his delight after opening his Ajax account in their UEFA Conference League play-off victory over FC Sion on Thursday, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The Nigerian forward made an immediate impact after coming off the bench, scoring in the 74th minute and providing an assist in the 87th as Ajax secured a convincing 4-2 win over the Swiss side.

Arokodare, who joined Ajax after a difficult spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers, is determined to put last season’s struggles behind him and rediscover the form that made him one of the leading strikers in Belgium.

Speaking to ESPN, the 25-year-old also outlined his ambitions with Ajax, insisting that the Dutch giants belong in the UEFA Champions League.

“I don’t think there’s a real reason or there’s a real excuse,” Arokodare told ESPN. “I think it’s part of the game.

“As players, we have seasons and moments like this in our careers, and it’s something to learn from, that I’ve moved on from, and I’m focused on the new season.

“I’ve been preparing well with the Ajax team and the players, and I’m focused on this season. I’m focused on getting better, focused on better things for myself. Focused on not making the same mistakes I did. That’s all I’m focused on. Not focused on last season.”

Arokodare added that while winning the league title and returning Ajax to Europe’s elite competition remain long-term ambitions, the immediate priority is to continue winning matches and progress through the Conference League.

The striker will now look to build on his impressive introduction and establish himself as a regular contributor for the Amsterdam giants.

The Nigeria National League (NNL) has confirmed the promotion of eight clubs from the Nationwide League One (NLO) ahead of its 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Owerri on Friday, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The newly promoted teams are expected to be formally inducted into the second-tier league during the AGM, which will also include the presentation of the NNL’s audited accounts for the 2025/26 season.

The eight promoted clubs are:

Dekkal Khairu FC - Osun State

Mighty Jets Feeders - Plateau State

Neurospark FC - FCT, Abuja

DMD FC - Borno State

Right-2-Win FC - Abia State

OYC FC - Delta State

Junior Danburan FC - Katsina State

Ikorodu City FA - Lagos State

NNL Chairman, Chief George Aluo, welcomed the promoted sides and charged them to maintain the standards expected of clubs participating in the league.

“It is a delight to have the promoted teams join the NNL fold from the NLO. We hope they will abide by the tenets of the league, which promote sanity, good discipline and good behaviour,” Aluo said.

“They will be formally inducted at the Annual General Meeting in Owerri. They are most welcome.”

The AGM is scheduled to hold at Rockview Hotel, near Government House, Owerri, with discussions expected to focus on transparency, accountability and preparations for the 2026/27 NNL season.

All 34 clubs, comprising the existing teams and the newly promoted sides, are expected to participate in the meeting.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is preparing for an action-packed 2026/27 season, with the continental calendar featuring the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, inter-club competitions, youth tournaments, futsal, beach soccer and other national team events. The biggest attraction will be the 2027 AFCON, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from June 19 to July 17, 2027, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The season will also feature another edition of the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup, with both competitions entering their preliminary stages before progressing into the group phase.

The second preliminary round is scheduled for October, while the group stages are expected to commence in late November and continue into January 2027. The knockout rounds will follow from February, with the finals of the two inter-club competitions scheduled between May 9 and 31, 2027.

The winners of the Champions League will subsequently face the Confederation Cup champions in the CAF Super Cup.

2026 CAF Super Cup

The 2026 CAF Super Cup will bring together Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, winners of the 2025/26 Champions League, and USM Alger of Algeria, who claimed the Confederation Cup title.

The encounter will pit the winners of CAF's two premier club competitions against each other for continental supremacy.

Youth Competitions Remain a Priority

Youth development will also feature prominently in CAF's programme, with Ghana scheduled to host the 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

The tournament will involve 12 teams, with the top four securing qualification for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Ghana, a four-time winner of the competition, will host the tournament for the second time after previously staging the event in 1999.

CAF is also continuing to reshape its U-17 competition structure. Morocco hosted the 2026 U-17 AFCON under a festival-style format, with matches, training sessions and team operations centred around the Mohammed VI Football Complex.

The model is aimed at creating a stronger development environment while improving the overall experience for participating teams and young players.

The 2026/27 calendar will also feature the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations, which doubles as Africa's qualifying competition for the Olympic Games.

Futsal and Beach Soccer on the Calendar

CAF's programme extends beyond traditional football, with futsal and beach soccer also featuring prominently.

Morocco is expected to host the Futsal Africa Cup of Nations, while Senegal has been listed as the host of the Beach Soccer AFCON.

CAF's published calendar places the futsal tournament in October and the beach soccer championship in November, although some dates remain subject to final confirmation.

CAF Considering More Competitions

Beyond the established tournaments, CAF is also looking at expanding its competition portfolio.

Among the proposals under consideration are the introduction of a U-17 Women's Africa Cup of Nations and an African Nations League.

If approved, the competitions could create additional opportunities for national teams and young players while strengthening the pathway between grassroots football, youth competitions and the senior game.

The proposals also form part of CAF's broader efforts to create a more predictable, commercially viable and organised competition structure across the continent.

Managing an Increasingly Busy Calendar

The size of the 2026/27 programme highlights the continued expansion of African football. The Champions League, Confederation Cup and AFCON will be accompanied by youth tournaments, futsal, beach soccer and other continental competitions.

A more structured calendar could help clubs plan their domestic campaigns, allow national teams to prepare more effectively and provide broadcasters and commercial partners with greater certainty.

However, the growing number of competitions could also create challenges, particularly around player workload and potential clashes between domestic, continental and international commitments.

For now, CAF is heading towards one of its busiest competition cycles, with the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda set to provide the grand finale to an increasingly crowded continental football calendar.

Charlton Athletic manager Nathan Jones has explained why the Championship club moved to bring Nigeria international goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo to The Valley, with the coach impressed by the shot-stopper’s performances against his side last season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Okonkwo has joined the Addicks on a season-long loan from Wrexham, with Jones delighted to secure the services of the highly rated goalkeeper ahead of the new campaign.

The Charlton boss revealed that Okonkwo caught his attention during Wrexham’s two meetings with Charlton last season, producing outstanding saves in both encounters.

“I’m delighted to bring Arthur to the club. We know how good a goalkeeper he is; he made two world-class saves against us last season, one in each game we played against Wrexham,” Jones said.

Jones also pointed to the goalkeeper’s willingness to join Charlton as another factor behind the club’s decision to pursue the deal.

“He also showed a real desire to come to us after our initial meeting, which was important for us,” he added.

The manager believes Okonkwo’s quality, experience and physical presence will strengthen his squad, particularly highlighting the 6ft 6in goalkeeper’s ability between the posts.

“He’s an excellent shot-stopper, of good pedigree, with good experience and the teams he’s played in have done well, so I'm looking forward to working with him,” Jones concluded.

Okonkwo began his professional career at Arsenal before gaining experience through loan spells and later establishing himself at Wrexham.

The 24-year-old will now aim to secure regular playing time at Charlton and make a strong impact during his season-long spell with the Championship outfit.