Most Competitive African Football Leagues & Prize Money in 2025 (CAF Rankings)

Brief Summary:

• Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa top the list with the strongest leagues in terms of CAF rankings, prize pools, and fan engagement.
• Tanzania and Nigeria are emerging powers, thanks to rising investments, CAF funding, and competitive local derbies.
• Financial incentives and better infrastructure are keeping more African talent local, boosting league quality across the board.

Deep Dive!!

Over the past ten years, African football has expanded dramatically, and in 2025, domestic league competition will be fiercer than ever. Fans and commentators alike are paying more attention to which leagues are actually setting the standard as a result of changes in CAF rankings, rising prize money, and teams taking the continental stage. 

Sport Blot reports the most competitive African football leagues of 2025 and their champions' prize money in this piece, based on CAF rankings.

5. Nigeria Professional Football League

Nigeria completes the top five, with winners such as Remo Stars taking home over $190,000. 

Even though some clubs are experiencing logistical issues, fervent fan bases and new investments suggest that the NPFL has a bright future.

The prize money for the 2023–2024 season would be increased to 150 million Naira (about $190,000), up from the previous season's 100 million Naira (approximately $127,000) for the winners.

4. Tunisian Ligue 1

Tunisia's Ligue Professionnelle 1 continues to produce quality clubs such as Espérance de Tunis, which remain strong challengers in CAF competitions. The African club currently rank 2nd on the CAF rankings.

The Tunisian Ligue 1 is one of Africa's most lucrative football competitions, with a market value of approximately €76 million. The league's current prize money is expected to be around $300,000.

ALSO READ: Top Historic Rivalries in African Club Football

3. South African PSL

PSL's reputation speaks for itself. One of Africa's top prize funds is also offered by the South African League.

The top five teams will split the R30.55 million (about $1.64 million) prize fund

The winning club receives a substantial reward of R15 million, or around $803,000. In 2025, Mamelodi Sundowns won a record-tying eighth straight championship, and they are ranked fourth by CAF, demonstrating the league's continued competitiveness.

2. Morocco’s Botola Pro

Fan favourites Raja and Wydad continue to draw large audiences, with Wydad averaging close to 23,900 per game, while RS Berkane won the 2024–25 Botola title. 

Wydad ranks third in the latest CAF rankings, while the recent league winners, RS Berkane, rank 6th.

The roughly $598,000 first-place prize money reflects significant sponsorships and investment. 

1. Egyptian Premier League

Egypt still dominates the football scene in Africa. Al Ahly's 45th League title in 2024–2025 places the club at the top of CAF’s ranking.

Champions receive about $500,000, which encourages teams like Pyramids FC, Zamalek, and Al Masry to strive for greatness both on and off the pitch.