Before 2026: Why The Next Few Months Could Redefine African Football

FOR Nigerian football fans, the countdown to 2026 isn’t just about the next World Cup — it’s about a season of action, transformation, and opportunity. From the NPFL’s renewed energy to a reinvented Champions League and the much-anticipated AFCON in Morocco, the coming months promise to be a rare convergence of football drama on every front.

A Season of Movement and Momentum

The Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) kicked off on August 22, 2025, with Chairman Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye declaring a push for consistency and credibility. Defending champions Remo Stars are under pressure to prove their title wasn’t a one-off, while clubs like Enyimba, Rivers United, and Rangers are ready to challenge that dominance. For fans, the renewed coverage on StarTimes and NPFL-Live brings the domestic league closer than ever.

Across Europe, October and November are already shaping up to be a thrilling test of endurance. The new 36-team Champions League format — one massive table instead of groups — has erased comfort zones. Every game counts. From Liverpool vs Real Madrid (4 November) to Arsenal vs Bayern Munich (26 November), the fixtures promise the kind of football that defines eras, not just seasons.

AFCON 2025: A Continental Statement

All eyes turn to Morocco on 21 December, when AFCON 2025 finally begins — the first ever to be played through Christmas and New Year. The expanded Club World Cup forced this shift, but it might turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

Morocco’s nine-venue hosting plan across Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, Marrakech, Fez, and Tangier is as much about continental pride as it is about readiness for the 2030 World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal.

For Nigeria, this tournament carries emotional weight. After falling short in 2023’s final against Ivory Coast, the Super Eagles, under new coach Eric Chelle, are determined to reclaim glory. Drawn in Group C with Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania, Nigeria’s campaign kicks off 22 December in Fès — a match that could set the tone for the entire tournament.

The Stakes Beyond the Pitch

The new Champions League structure has restored intensity — no dead rubbers, no early exits by complacency. Every result shapes the playoff landscape. Meanwhile, AFCON offers a continental barometer for progress, not just performance. For Morocco, it’s a dress rehearsal. For Nigeria, it’s a test of leadership and planning. And for Africa, it’s a reminder that football is as much about governance as it is about goals.

The NPFL’s drive for a stable calendar and improved player welfare mirrors this wider shift toward professionalism and structure. It’s not just about trophies — it’s about turning African football into a sustainable ecosystem.

Fan Culture and Betting Boom

Let’s be honest — football today isn’t just a sport, it’s an economy of passion. Nigeria’s betting market, anchored by platforms like Surebet247, Bet9ja, Sportybet, MSport, and Betking, has grown into a multimillion-dollar industry. They add layers of engagement, offering fans the thrill of prediction alongside the beauty of the game. But beyond the odds and payouts, what keeps fans coming back is the emotion — the uncertainty that no algorithm can predict.

The Bigger Picture

From the domestic pitches of Ijebu-Ode to the floodlights of Fez, the next few months represent a crossroads for African football. It’s about proving that the game can be both spectacular and sustainable — that African teams, leagues, and federations can compete globally not just in spirit but in structure.

So, before 2026 arrives with its World Cup fever, the real story will be written in the grind of this football year: in every goal scored, every fan’s cheer, and every coach’s decision that reminds us why we watch — because football, in all its chaos and glory, still unites a continent.