The latest CAF Rankings have been released, and there is no change at the summit. Al Ahly continue to lead the continent with at least 66 points, reinforcing their dominance in African club football.

The updated CAF rankings as of February 16, 2026, confirm Al Ahly’s grip on the top position, Footballrover reports.

CAF Rankings: Al Ahly Maintain Continental Lead

South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns follow with at least 58 points, while Tunisia’s Espérance de Tunis sit third on 53.

Egypt remains strongly represented, with Pyramids FC (48) and Morocco’s RS Berkane (47) completing the top five.

The rankings reflect consistent performance in continental competitions over recent seasons, particularly in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.

Further down the table, established names such as Zamalek SC, Simba SC, and TP Mazembe remain inside the top 20, proving the competitive depth across the continent.

CAF Rankings: Rivers United Hold NPFL’s Top Spot Despite Setbacks

For Nigeria, the CAF rankings offer mixed feelings.

Despite a difficult 2025-26 continental campaign, Rivers United remain the country’s highest-ranked side.

They are placed 22nd in Africa with 15 points, ahead of any other Nigeria Premier Football League club.

This comes just days after their exit from the group stage of the CAF Champions League, where they endured a winless run against strong opposition, including Pyramids FC and RS Berkane.

The latest standings show how much weight the five-year coefficient system carries.

While one poor campaign can affect momentum, sustained continental appearances still matter.

Clubs such as Power Dynamos, who finished 28th with 10 points, and Morocco’s Raja CA, ranked 21st with 17 points, illustrate how tight the margins are in the mid-table positions.

For Rivers United, staying as the highest-ranked NPFL club offers some reassurance after a disappointing group-stage showing.

However, the drop from earlier projections highlights the gap between domestic success and sustained continental impact.

What the Latest CAF Rankings Mean for Nigerian Clubs

The updated CAF rankings once again show a broader challenge for Nigerian teams competing in Africa.

North African clubs continue to dominate the upper tier, with Egyptian, Moroccan and Tunisian sides occupying most of the top positions.

Their consistency in knockout rounds and group stages has strengthened their coefficient points over time.

For Rivers United and other NPFL representatives, future campaigns will be crucial.

Improving results in continental competitions will not only boost Nigeria’s standing but also help close the gap on Africa’s elite.

As it stands, no other Nigerian side made the top 30, as Al Ahly remain Africa’s benchmark, while Rivers United still carry Nigeria’s ranking flag—even after a campaign that fell short of expectations.

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Last Updated on February 18, 2026 1:42 pm by footballrover