Nigerian Clubs Could Get Earlier VAR Access as CAF Considers Group-Stage Rollout

Posted : 04 September 2026

Nigerian clubs competing in Africa could benefit from earlier access to Video Assistant Referee technology if CAF approves a proposal to extend VAR coverage to the group stages of its two major club competitions. The possible change would see video assistance introduced earlier in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.

Under the current system, VAR is used from the quarter-final stage of the competitions. The proposed expansion would potentially make the technology available from the group phase through to the finals.

For Nigerian representatives, the change could be significant. Group-stage matches are often decided by narrow margins, meaning a major officiating error can have a direct impact on qualification hopes.

CAF has already identified VAR expansion as part of its wider refereeing development plans. Its 2024/25 activity report stated that the organisation aims to increase the number of VAR-certified referees and expand live VAR coverage across more CAF competitions, including club tournaments and qualifiers.

The governing body has also continued to invest in referee development and VAR infrastructure. CAF reported that 118 referees were trained in VAR during the 2024/25 period, while 54 referees were certified to officiate VAR matches.

However, extending the system to the group stage would come with considerable technical and financial demands. CAF would need additional VAR equipment, qualified video match officials, operators and technical personnel across multiple venues and countries.

Infrastructure is another important consideration. Stadium facilities, broadcast quality and technical capacity vary significantly across African countries, which could make consistent implementation more difficult.

The proposed change would also come as CAF continues to expand investment in its interclub competitions. The organisation has increased its total investment in African club football to more than $48 million per season, while the Champions League winners now receive $6 million and the Confederation Cup champions earn $4 million.

The 2026/27 Champions League and Confederation Cup campaigns are scheduled to begin with preliminary-round matches in September. The group stages are set to start in late November and run through January 2027.

CAF has not yet confirmed that the proposed VAR expansion has been approved. Any decision will depend on assessments of its technical, financial and logistical feasibility.

For Nigerian clubs, however, the possibility offers an added incentive. Earlier VAR coverage could provide greater protection against decisive officiating mistakes as they pursue progress in Africa’s leading club competitions.

Nigerian Clubs Could Get Earlier VAR Access as CAF Considers Group-Stage Rollout

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