BY SAB OSUJI

Adebayo Gbadebo, a Nigerian coach based in Thailand, has expressed confidence in Rivers United holding their heads high in the continent.

Gbadebo, a former Nigeria international and ex Stationery Stores man, reckons that the Pride of Rivers are well organised and funded by the Rivees State Government, which has helped the club remain consistent, well managed and funded, giving rise to acquisition of the right playing personnel (players), experienced coach and good management.

Gbadebo spoke to Exclusivenews.com.ng from his base in Bangkok, Thailand.

"I believe Rivers United have full backing of the government of Rivers State. The government has not looked back in providing the needed resources to keep the team in top shape and at the high level", starts the former Super Stores man.

"I know Rivers State government don't go into competition without the mindset and mentality to win.

"This mentality is not just from the government or the players but also the management. They know that to win, they need to put in every resources.

"So, we need to appreciate the Rivers Government first. They have put in a lot to make this possible and I would want other states to emulate them. Football needs huge capital and that must be planned towards sustaining the capital which, in this case, is to get the right players with quality and of course, experienced coach which they have (in Stanley Eguma).

"You can't go into continental football games with players that do not have experience and resources also to keep the team together for a relatively long time.

"So, I believe Rivers United are better organised, with good technical crew, quality players, good management staff, resources from their government and good team mwntality", Gbadebo said.

Gbadebo spoke on the backdrop of Nigerian clubs elimination in the preliminary rounds of the 2023 CAF interclub competitions, saying it was a bad advertisement for Nigerian football.

Nigeria champions, Enyimba were bundled out of the CAF Champions League, a competition they won back to back in 2003 and 2004.

Runners-up, Remo Stars, also crashed out in the first round while domestic Cup holders, Bendel Insurance were shown the exit door in the Confederation Cup in the first round.

Enyimba remains in the continental skies following their involvement in the newly introduced African Football League, AFL, a money spinning championship for the biggest teams on the African continent.

Gbadebo shares thoughts that inability of Nigerian league to kick off on time to knock our teams on the continent into competitive shape is one major reasons the clubs crash out early.

He believes that with regular competitive games, clubs playing in the continent will be in a better match shape before facing their opponents from other countries.

Overall, Gbadebo submits that such early elimination of Nigerian clubs from the African championships is not a good advertisement for Nigeria and her football.

"It's not good for Nigeria football and the sporting image of the Nigerian nation", Gbadebo ruled.

"It shows exactly the sad reality of Nigeria's low level of football development.

"Club wise, I think we're a lot behind. Other countries are putting in resources and engaging the right personnel to handle their football.

"It's not proper for clubs going into continental football without games in their domestic league. You don't do that and expect good result.

"The calendar has to be properly managed. The time the league starts and when it ends for the new season to start is very important", Gbadebo summed up.