Makinwa identifies reasons Nigerian clubs fail in African competitions

Henry Makinwa, the former head coach of Sunshine Stars, attributed the early exit of Nigerian clubs from African football competitions to economic hardship, corruption, and poor management.

Both Rivers United and Shooting Stars have recently been eliminated from the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup, respectively.

Makinwa highlighted that inadequate salaries are a significant factor driving many top players in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to seek better financial opportunities abroad, particularly in neighboring countries, Europe, and Asia. This exodus leaves local clubs at a disadvantage.

He also pointed to corruption in player recruitment as a critical challenge facing Nigerian football.

“The reasons Nigerian clubs were eliminated early from the African Champions League include economic factors, such as poor salaries, which compel good players to emigrate,” Makinwa noted in a post on X. “Additionally, corruption in player recruitment and insufficient technical and tactical preparations are major issues.”

Makinwa emphasized the need for professional management within Nigerian football to enhance its competitiveness on the continental stage.

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