Ways to Improve Nigerian Football

An old article by Mumuni Alao was quite interesting when it came out. The issues he raised back then are still relevant today. He mentioned that his ideas on rebuilding Nigerian football might seem crazy but were meant to spark more suggestions. The goal was to create a strong home-based Super Eagles that can compete with foreign players and stand tall against any team in the world.

But his suggestions seemed unfeasible for many reasons, which he likely knew. These reasons include: Nigeria has over 200 million people, with maybe 20 million footballers, and each one deserves a shot at the Super Eagles if they meet the required standards. It cannot work to choose a few players to be on salary from the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and call them the national team. Football is always changing. A player who is good today might not be tomorrow, and new talents will always come up. So, keeping a standard team on the NFF payroll could block out good players, which would hurt the game even more. Otherwise, the NFF might end up with hundreds or even thousands of players on their payroll.

This system could also lead to more corruption. Poor players might be willing to bribe officials to be included in the program. We can already see this happening in the junior teams and, to some extent, the Super Eagles. This approach will not help Nigerian football progress since it won’t raise the standard of the local league. In fact, it seems like an escape route that won't add value to the local league and could eventually destroy it.

Given all this, I suggest we return to the drawing board and find ways to improve the local league. One key point to achieve this is to ensure good facilities, and players should be well taken care of in a fair and competitive tournament. I propose the following:

First, the NFF should make sure that only teams with standard stadiums, training pitches, facilities, equipment, kits, housing, insurance, and player welfare can take part in the league. A minimum standard should be set and enforced by the NFF. Our teams should be built like those in European leagues.

Second, the NFF should stop the practice of signing players to yearly contracts and paying signing-on fees every season. Many players switch clubs each year just for the signing fees, which disrupts continuity and player development. Players should sign long-term contracts for stability and continuity, leading to better football.

Clubs should have at least 18 first-team players and no more than 22, all professional. The rest should be reserves and youth players aged 15 to 20 years. Every team should have a youth academy and a solid program to train young players.

A minimum salary between ₦500,000 to ₦700,000 should be set for first-team players, while reserves and youth players should get at least ₦100,000 monthly. This is because young players often live with their families and still attend school.

The NFF should also regulate that only players above 20 years can get clearance to play abroad. However, foreign clubs can sign Nigerian players under 20, but they must let them play in Nigeria until they turn 20. The NFF should always see a copy of a player's contract before giving clearance. A clause should ensure that when a player is transferred, a certain percentage (like 2 to 5 percent) goes to the club that developed him in Nigeria.

The NFF should create a pension fund for professional players. A portion of their monthly income should go into this fund. An independent organization should manage the fund, focusing on players’ welfare and future security. Players should also be encouraged to contribute to this fund, even if they play abroad. At the end of their careers, players will receive a pension based on their contributions or training for another job.

The NFF, along with the Referees Association, must work on improving officiating standards. Clear standards should be set for referees, including the kind of training they should receive. Only people with good character and stable jobs should be employed as referees.

The NFF should also connect with top European clubs to send our local coaches for refresher courses and training to improve their game knowledge and management skills. Club administrators should also undergo similar training.

Finally, all league matches should be recorded, and highlights should be shown on national TV. One match should be the star match and eventually aired live on national TV and satellite stations.

I truly believe that once we have a strong and viable National League, where everything is done professionally, we will have a strong Super Eagles and other national teams without relying much on foreign players. We can look at the examples of Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and South Africa. We need to start from scratch to achieve the desired results. It may take time, but starting sooner is better.

With these suggestions and other factors in place, our football standard will surely improve. When players feel secure and well taken care of at home, they will prefer to stay and give their best until they find a better contract abroad. If they go to Europe and don’t succeed, they will want to return home since the standard will be good and the pay decent. This will lead to better national teams for Nigeria and reduce the inferiority complex that home-based players often feel when in camp with foreign-based players.

Once the league quality improves and fans return to the stands, sponsors will come forward to support the league and clubs. It will become easier for teams to find sponsors from home and abroad. TV money will also flow into the league, providing teams with the financial stability to meet their needs and develop further.

I know some might think I am “crazy” for asking where the funds will come from to execute these plans. No funding means nothing can be achieved, and right now, the Nigerian league lacks the financial capability to support these ideas. So, I suggest the following:

A study should be done to assess the potential of establishing a standard and viable Nigerian football league regarding finances, job creation, poverty alleviation, and enhancing the country's image.

With this data, a strong lobby group should be formed, made up of credible people to persuade the government to support the establishment of the National League financially and morally.

For funding, the lobby group should urge the government to finance the program's start-up.

To kick off the National League as described, at least ₦30 billion will be needed. The government should provide this as a soft loan, repayable in 10 to 20 years, with low or no interest. This will ensure the funds are used wisely. State governments should guarantee participating clubs in partnership with banks before they access the funds.

With the money in place, the NFF should invite the best teams to present proposals. They will select 16 to 20 top teams based on criteria like history, followership, structure, management quality, and financial viability. Weaker teams will be classified accordingly and allowed to compete in lower divisions.

Once classified, the NFF will provide funds to teams for facilities and working capital. They will take care of infrastructure like match venues and TV equipment before handing them over to clubs for management.

Once the league stabilizes, gradual privatization of the NFF and clubs should begin, making it a private concern run by businesses.

In conclusion, I truly believe that a strong and viable National League, run professionally, will lead to a strong Super Eagles and other national teams without heavily depending on foreign players. We can take lessons from places like Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and South Africa. We have to start from scratch to get the results we want. It may take time, but starting sooner is the best option.