CHAN: Home Based Eagles Expose Rot in Domestic Football

 


It was already omnious for Nigeria even before the kickoff of the Group D match between Nigeria and Sudan in the ongoing Africa Nations Championship in Zanzibar. The Confederation of African Football, CAF, had released a list of stadiums approved for the club competitions and the remainder of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and Nigeria had just two stadiums approved.


The so-called giant nation had to rely on the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo and the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja. The rest have been adjudged to be poor to  play football matches. Ever wonder why in recent years, clubsides from Nigerian have performed poorly on the continent? Nigeria has never won the CAF Confederation Cup and won the CAF Champions League only twice. Enyimba FC achieved the feat in 2003 and retained the title a year later. It was that poor. Even the latest CAF club ranking has Rivers United as the top Nigerian ranked team in number 24.

Back to last night, it was a disgraceful outing as the CHAN Eagles, wgo had to win to have hope of making it to the next round, were thoroughly thrashed 4-0 by Sudan, led by the irrepressible Ghanain, Kwesi Appiah. He had earlier at a press conference expressed hi respect for Nigeria but not fear. He needed not even.

Sudan should be far behind Nigeria in global football but in Africa Sudan if shoulder above Nigeria. This is exemplified by the manner Nigerian players rush to Sudan to play for either El Merriekh or Al Hilal. They pay good money. Nigeria shamelessly lose players to leagues in Tanzania, Rwanda and the rest nowadays. Gone were the days they only move for greener pastures in North Africa and South Africa.


What does it say about the Nigerian league system? Simply shambolic! Poor remuneration dogs clubs season after season. Poor contract with players. Non existent facilities. You will weep for many stadiums in Nigeria hosting league matches. Poor officiating and intimidation by home fans have all contributed to the poor performances of the team.


ERIC CHELLE

When Eric Sekou Chelle was announced as the new Super Eagles head coach, many of us keen watchers of the game were aghast at the decision. With the Malian in charge of four official games, our fears have now been truly confirmed. What was the thinking of the NFF officials who hired Chelle? Does this Chelle have the technicla know how to navigate this Super Eagles? Is he in any way better than Finidi, Amuneke, Siasia or any other Nigerian coaches? The answer is for you to ponder.



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