Nigeria’s only remaining team in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) interclub football competitions, Enyimba Football Club of Aba, lost 3-1 to the Egyptian powerhouse Zamalek Football Club of Cairo on last but one Sunday, ending their run in this season’s CAF Confederation Cup.
The two-time African champions ended Nigeria’s club team’s poor season by sending off the last remaining team to the African competition in Cairo this season.
The Aba side who finished third in the group with only five points lost out the runner up ticket to another Egyptian side Al Masry who at the same time defeated Mozambican team Black Bulls by similar 3-1 score line to end their campaign with nine points.
The Egyptian side Zamalek without seven of their key players inflicted the harm on the Nigerian side having recorded the two goals in the first 49 minutes of the game. Mostafa Shalaby drew the first blood for Zamalek with a header in the 29th minute and maintained the lead till the end of the half.
Enyimba’s goalkeeper Ani Ozoemena’s error in the 49th minute gave Seifeddine Jaziri the first of his two goals as he slotted the ball into an empty net.
Ifeanyi Ihemekwele of Enyimba of Aba pulled one back with a powerful shot in the vital area in the 57th minute. But Jaziri of the Egyptian side confirmed his side’s superiority when he put the game beyond the reach of the Nigerian side with a master-class goal in the 87th minute of the game.
With Enyimba’s exit, all Nigerian clubs in the continental club competitions namely El-Kanemi, Remo Stars and Enugu Rangers were eliminated.
This defeat should be a learning experience, reminding Enyimba and other Nigerian clubs of the increasing competitiveness of African football and the need for continuous improvement to remain relevant on the continental stage.
It is a fact that, Enyimba is the most successful Nigerian club in continental competitions, having won the CAF Champions League twice 2003 and 2004 but Zamalek is one of Africa’s most decorated clubs, with five CAF Champions League titles and numerous domestic honors.
Enyimba’s elimination means Nigeria will not have representation in the latter stages of this year’s tournament. The CAF Confederation Cup is Africa’s second-tier club competition, similar to the UEFA Europa League.
For sure Enyimba FC’s exit was no doubt a painful one but there were lessons to be learned from both our teams and the league organizers. Their exit highlighted the very need for Nigerian clubs to improve and expand their funding, players and technical crew recruitment, and also their tactical preparation.
Nigerian league need to be restructured so as the teams too. They need to devise a means of breaking the cycle of annual continental failures and embarrassments. It becomes evident that multiple factors have contributed to our club’s unfortunate fate.
Even though bookmakers have been identifying some problems causing our teams early exits in the CAF competitions, I still believe that the poor way of handling our league is the major problem.
We all know that our leagues are not properly coordinated and organized which makes them the worst in the continent.
All the indices and indicators that make leagues enterprising, competitive and entertaining world over are lacking in our leagues. Our leagues are highly corrupted and compromised which resulted in fewer away wins and draws.
The win at home at all cost syndromes is not helping the matter at all. It is the disease that impedes the progress of our round leather game which consequently resulted in producing weaker teams to represent the country in CAF competitions that resulted in their early exits.
And unless we change this nagetive practice, there is no way our teams can go far talkless of producing any desired result.
Bookmakers have identified problems associated with Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) as follows:
Corruption and Bribery
1. Match-Fixing: Allegations of match-fixing and bribery, compromising the integrity of the game in this country.
2. Influenced Decisions: Referees’ decisions influenced by external factors, such as team owners, sponsors, or government officials is another factor as victories are given to the wrong sides..
Incompetency and Lack of Training
1. Poor Knowledge of Laws: Referees’ inadequate knowledge of the laws of the game is another thing which is leading to incorrect decisions.
2. Inadequate Training: Insufficient training and development programs for referees, hinders their performance.
3. Lack of Fitness: Referees’ poor physical fitness also affected their ability to keep up with the game.
Poor Communication and Game Management
1. Ineffective Communication: Referees’ poor communication with players, coaches, and other officials resulted to misunderstandings and conflicts.
2. Inadequate Game Management: Referees’ inability to manage the game effectively, leading to disruptions and controversy in our matches.
Security and Safety Concerns
1. Threats and Intimidation: Referees facing threats and intimidation from players, coaches, team’s officials and spectators is another problem dwarfing the success of the game.
2. Physical Attacks: Referees being physically attacked or assaulted during or after matches also spoils our game.
Lack of Accountability and Transparency
1. Inadequate Disciplinary Measures: Lack of effective disciplinary measures for referees who perform poorly or engage in misconduct.
2. Lack of Transparency: Derisory transparency in referee selection, evaluation, and promotion processes is yet another problem clogging the wheel of its progress.
Other Challenges
1. Low Remuneration: Referees’ low remuneration and benefits, making it difficult to attract and retain top talent.
2. Limited Opportunities for Advancement: Limited opportunities for referees to advance their careers, either domestically or internationally is another obstacle of the game.
Therefore, for the country to produce teams that can compete with other African team and produce good result, we must address the problems facing the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL):Thus;-
There is a need for the Establishment of a Strong, Independent League Board: Which will comprise experienced professionals with a genuine passion for the game. Then develop a Clear Vision and Strategy: This will align with international best practices that will tailor the Nigerian football’s unique needs.
We should also ensure Transparency and Accountability: Here, we are talking about regular audits, public financial reports, and clear communication channels.
Another thing that will remove shame from us is Infrastructure Development: Under this, we must invest heavily in Modern Stadiums and Facilities: It will help us meet international standards for safety, comfort, and accessibility.
Develop Training Facilities and Academies: This will foster youth development and providing top-notch training environments; we should also improve Playing Surfaces and Equipment: Ensuring safe and high-quality playing conditions.
The next is Financial Sustainability: Here we should focus on Securing Strong Sponsorship Deals: That will see the authority partnering with reputable brands to increase revenue streams; We should also Develop a Robust Revenue Generation Strategy: Exploring innovative revenue streams, such as broadcasting rights and merchandise sales; The league authority should Implement Efficient Financial Management: This will ensure transparency, accountability, and responsible financial decision-making.
Fan Engagement and Experience: Under this, we should Improve Stadium Facilities and Amenities: Thereby enhancing the fan experience through upgraded infrastructure and services; Develop Engaging Marketing and Communication Strategies: Building a strong brand identity and fostering a sense of community among fans; Increase Fan Participation and Feedback Mechanisms: Thereby encouraging fan involvement through surveys, forums, and other channels.
Player Development and Welfare: Under this, The authority should establish a Comprehensive Player Development Program: Focusing on youth development, coaching, and mentorship; Ensure Fair Player Compensation and Benefits: Providing a decent standard of living for players and their families; Implement Robust Player Health and Safety Protocols_: Prioritizing player well-being through medical support, insurance, and safety measures.
Refereeing and Match Integrity: Under this we should develop a Strong Refereeing Development Program: This will enhance refereeing standards through training, mentoring, and evaluation; Implement a Robust Match Integrity System: This will combat match-fixing and corruption through monitoring, investigation, and punishment; Foster a Culture of Fair Play and Respect: This will promote sportsmanship, respect, and fair play among players, coaches, and officials.
Partnerships and Collaborations: Foster Strong Partnerships with Government and Stakeholders: Collaborating on infrastructure development, funding, and policy support; Develop Strategic Partnerships with International Leagues and Organizations: Enhancing knowledge sharing, best practices, and competitiveness.
Encourage Community Engagement and Outreach: Building relationships with local communities, promoting football development, and driving social impact; Encourage Private Investment: Encourage private investors to purchase or partner with state-owned clubs.
Develop a Sustainable Business Model: Develop a sustainable business model for clubs, including revenue generation, cost management, and investment in infrastructure and talent; Improve Governance and Management: Improve governance and management structures, including the establishment of independent boards and the appointment of experienced professionals.
Increase Transparency and Accountability: Increase transparency and accountability in club management, including the publication of financial reports and the establishment of anti-corruption measures.
It is highly unlikely that we will stop experiencing these kinds of difficulties unless we are deliberately misleading our league by following the norm.
I give thanks to God that we have been seeing and observing how other countries are running and managing their leagues; we will do better and gain a lot if we learn from them, better and establish our own leagues.
That is the primary path ahead for the great majority of us.