November 05, (THEWILL) – Enyimba International FC was once the crown jewel of Nigerian football. In the early 2000s, they claimed two CAF Champions League titles in 2003 and 2004. These historic continental victories established Enyimba as a force to be reckoned with across Africa and made them a source of immense pride for Nigerian football. However, in recent years, the fortunes of this once mighty club have taken a drastic downward spiral.
Enyimba’s performances have steadily declined and they have struggled to make an impact in African club competitions. In the 2023/2024 CAF Champions League, the club failed to make it past the first hurdle, losing to Libyan side Al Ahly Benghazi in the preliminaries.
To worsen their predicament, the inaugural Africa Football League, which presented Enyimba with an opportunity to re-establish some of their pedigree in continental football was disappointedly bungled as they lost to Wydad Casablanca to exit at the first round.
Enyimba were not alone as Remo Stars suffered a similar fate. They met Medeama SC from Ghana in the preliminary round. After Medeama won the first leg 1-0 at home, Remo Stars equalised the tie by winning the second leg 1-0 in Nigeria. This led to a dramatic penalty shootout to determine who would advance to the next round.
Despite an own goal by Medeama’s goalkeeper Felix Kyei during regular time, he redeemed himself in the shootout by saving three penalties. Medeama prevailed 3-2 in the shootout, advancing instead of Remo.
This regression symbolises a broader malaise affecting domestic football in Nigeria. The country’s recent results in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) – the tournament for players based in their domestic leagues – have been highly discouraging. Nigeria failed to qualify for the last two editions of CHAN, which demonstrates how the quality of indigenous league football has deteriorated over time.
Experts have pointed to several factors behind this decline:
First, grassroots football development has been neglected. There is an acute lack of funding and institutional support for nurturing young talent right from the school level. Facilities and coaches at the grassroots are inadequate to systematically identify and groom players from a young age. This has stymied the emergence of quality youth players who can then go on to strengthen the domestic leagues.
Secondly, the infrastructure supporting the league is in poor shape. Many club stadia lack basic amenities and do not measure up to international standards. Outdated training facilities and lack of modern equipment have also impeded the development of players plying their trade in the Nigerian league.
Third, financial instability plagues most Nigerian clubs. Revenues are limited for indigenous clubs, many of whom are heavily dependent on government grants. Unsteady cash flows lead to problems like delayed payment of player salaries, taking a toll on performance. This also makes it difficult for clubs to retain promising talent.
Also, administrative lapses have undermined Nigerian league football. Key organisational gaps like delayed player registrations, poor scheduling, and communication breakdowns between stakeholders have hampered clubs’ ability to field their best on match days. There is an absence of robust governance.
In the Enyimba example, head coach Finidi George felt the need to publicly lash out at the club’s management for poor leadership and disorganisation. George claimed that the coaches were not consulted in the signing of 19 new players, with only four known to him, and that the team registration was done without their input. This resulted in key players being left off the roster. The coach also cited issues like inadequate travel arrangements for away matches, the late delivery of match balls to train with, and poor communication with stadium authorities for training sessions.
George argued that this lack of structure put the team at a disadvantage and negatively impacted performance. While acknowledging there have been problems, he expressed frustration that public criticism was being levelled when greater collaboration was needed. The coach maintained that the same staff had proven their quality by winning the league and cup previously, and that the problems with the current team stem from management and organisation rather than coaching.
Finally, fan support for domestic club football has waned owing to its reducing quality. Inadequate fan engagement initiatives and sub-par marketing of the indigenous league has driven spectators away from matches, robbing clubs of crucial revenue streams.
However, there have been a few promising developments that indicate Nigerian domestic football can arrest this decline and get back on its feet.
For one, corporate sponsors and investors have been taking increasing interest in supporting clubs financially. Bankrolling from private investors has given a boost to the finances of certain clubs like Enyimba and Kano Pillars. Investments in club academies are also bearing fruit. For instance, Kwara United has set up a productive youth system through private funding.
In addition, some traditional powers of Nigerian football like Enyimba and Rangers International have undertaken internal reforms and strengthened club structures aimed at rediscovering past success. Enyimba’s NPFL triumph last season is a sign these efforts may be gaining ground.
Newer clubs like Remo Stars and Sporting Lagos have also shown how innovative fan engagement using promotions and social media campaigns can boost attendance. Their ability to successfully connect with fans is a template other NPFL clubs can emulate.
State governments are also now demonstrating greater inclination to upgrade sports infrastructure and promote youth football through partnerships and training programs. Government prioritisation of the sport has opened more avenues for resource mobilisation.
Building on these positive developments will require strategic action from all football stakeholders in Nigeria:
The government must allocate more budgetary funds for grassroots training centres and football infrastructure. Tax incentives can attract greater private investment into academies and stadium facilities.
Football administrators need to bring in financial controls and transparency measures to enhance club sustainability. Regulations like financial fair play can also foster responsible spending.
Clubs must invest more in scouting networks and quality coaching to strengthen their youth development programs. Nurturing talent from a young age is crucial.
Marketing campaigns, promotional offers, and leveraging social media engagement can significantly improve fan interest in domestic football. More revenue can be generated through broadcasting rights and innovative viewing platforms.
While Nigerian league football has declined considerably from the highs of the early 2000s, a turnaround is still possible through these constructive steps. The history of clubs like Enyimba FC shows the immense potential Nigerian football holds. By addressing the roots of the problems, domestic football can flourish again and recapture its erstwhile eminence. The road to revival may be difficult but it requires a collective effort from government entities, football administrators, clubs, players, and fans to create a sustainable and thriving football ecosystem in Nigeria. With the right investments, reforms, and collaborations, Nigerian domestic football can once a gain become a powerhouse in African football.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
