Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, has called for a comprehensive overhaul of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), club structures, funding mechanisms and officiating to meet the modern football environment.
In a heartfelt statement shared on his official Facebook page,
Musa expressed admiration for the African clubs currently participating in the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup, describing the tournament as both exciting and financially rewarding. The Kano Pillars forward however observed a stark comparison between the achievements of African clubs at the tournament and the current state of the Nigeria’s elite football league, NPFL.
“I have been following the FIFA Club World Cup, and my focus has been on the African clubs in the tournament. Apart from the excitement, the tournament is a money-spinner for the African clubs.
“Can we compete at this level?” Musa stresses the need for introspection, urging stakeholders to consider what the Nigerian football landscape is lacking.
“It’s a sober reflection if we compare the African Clubs at the Club World Cup to our domestic league, the Nigeria Premier Football League. Can we compete at this level? What are we not getting right?”
The former CSKA Moscow and Al Nassr forward called for a deliberate review of the NPFL’s framework, noting that talent alone is not enough to thrive in the modern football environment.
“We need to review the organization of the League, clubs’ structure, and funding. We need to set out new policies and drive the reforms. The NPFL is not lacking in potential, our football has got an abundance of talent and potential from the grassroots to the elite level, but these factors aren’t enough in a modern football system.”
Musa emphasised the need for collective commitment among stakeholders to elevate Nigerian football to global standards, both on and off the pitch.
“We must collectively decide to make our football work which will ensure that our clubs compete at the continental and world level.”
The NPFL star also questioned the current state of officiating in the country, highlighting the absence of Nigerian referees in CAF and FIFA tournaments.
“What about the referees and officiating? Other African countries are producing referees for CAF and FIFA tournaments, but what do we have here?”
Musa’s passionate plea is a rallying cry for collective action, as he insists that all stakeholders must come together to enhance Nigerian football’s global standing. “We must work hard to ensure our football meets global standards,” he concludes, while extending his best wishes to all African countries competing in the FIFA Club World Cup.
As the tournament progresses, Musa’s insights resonate deeply within the football community, highlighting both the challenges and the potential that lies within Nigerian football. The call for reform is louder than ever, as the nation looks to elevate its clubs to compete on both continental and global stages.
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