Nigerian clubs score card in continental competition the last two season hasn't been encouraging, in 2012, three out of four clubs couldn't make it to the group stage of CAF competitions except for Sunshine Stars of Akure who got to the semi final stage of CAF Champions League after a three all home draw and lone goal loss away to Egyptian club side A-Ahly.
In 2013, Heartland FC of Owerri who were the
defending champions of the Federation Cup and Lobi Stars were knocked out in a very embarrassing circumstances while Kano Pillars who also were the defending champions of the Nigeria Premier League at that time were knocked out in the second round of the CAF Champions League. Though Rangers Int'l of Enugu couldn't make the group stage of CAFCL but won the play offs to feature in the CAF Confederation Cup only to be sent packing by CAF for using an ineligible player.
2014, saw the NPL champions Kano Pillars knocked out of the CAFCL as early as the first round while Enyimba as well couldn't make it past the second round. Attention quickly shifted to CAFCL where Warri Wolves and Bayelsa United seem to have an interesting start. Warri Wolves did enough only to feature in the second round but could not get past that stage. Bayelsa United took it a step further, got the play off stage but won't feature in the group stage because Sewe Sport from CIV beat them home and away.
Footyalert spoke with ex-Super Eagles midfielder and 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner, Edema Fuludu to seek his opinion on why Nigerian clubs aren't giving a good fight on the continent.
Fuludu who isn't happy with the current situation of both the league and clubs due to lack of continuity in both players and coaches said it's one out of a lot of reasons why Nigerian clubs will struggle on the continent.
Look at, I will give you some reasons which are by no means exhaustive, said Fuludu.
" First lack of continuity in both players and coaches, Every new season most club administrators sack the head coach; good, bad or the coach moves for lack of binding contract or non payment of entitlements. This goes for 90% plus of the clubs in the Premier League,"
"Secondly, the preparation for continental engagements are near non existent. We have never commence the league early enough. Check out last season and this and the one before,"
" Thirdly, there is still lack of transparency in clubs that qualifies for the continent. Clubs win home games at all cost and the administrators and referees also compromise directly or indirectly. Referees are not safe at league venues.,"
"Lastly, even the clubs shoot themselves in the foot, they sack an average of 15-20 players without proper or detailed reasons then they bring in new players and end up not putting up a good show on the continent," Fuludu concluded.
1 One Comment " Fuludu: Reasons Why Nigerian Clubs Will Not Excel On The Continent "
I respect your courage Footyalert but truth must be said the policitians who disguise as football administrators in the glass house are more concerned about their pocket not the growth of the game. Ever since i have been following your blog I've some how been hooked and I love some development but for Nigerian football league to move forward a drastic restructuring is needed urgently.
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