African club football has a new snapshot of dominance and rising contenders as the latest CAF club rankings are released.
While North Africa continues to dominate the top spots, Nigerian football’s pride, Rivers United, has made noticeable gains despite a tough season in continental competitions.
Rivers United Rise Despite Continental Struggles
The latest CAF Rankings, updated as of February 16, 2026, show the Pride of Rivers climbing to 22nd position in Africa with 15 points.
This improvement comes after a challenging CAF Champions League campaign where the Port Harcourt side became the first Nigerian club to finish a group stage winless.
Despite the disappointing results, Rivers United remain Nigeria’s top-ranked club, ahead of their domestic rivals, who failed to make the group stages of CAF competitions.
The CAF ranking system rewards consistency over multiple seasons, and Rivers United’s steady performance in recent years keeps them firmly on the continental radar.
CAF Rankings Highlight Africa’s Powerhouses
Al Ahly continues to reign supreme at the top of the CAF club rankings with 66 points, followed by South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns (58) and Tunisia’s Esperance de Tunis (53).
Other notable teams include Pyramids FC, RS Berkane, and North African giants Zamalek SC and Al-Hilal.
For Rivers United, sitting just behind clubs like TP Mazembe and Orlando Pirates, this ranking reflects their ongoing presence in African competitions and shows the potential of Nigerian clubs to challenge established powers.
The Path Ahead for Rivers United
While this season’s continental results were harsh, the Finidi George now have a clear benchmark to improve upon.
The club must focus on translating domestic dominance into stronger continental performances to climb further in the CAF rankings.