As the curtain falls on the 2024–25 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season, there is plenty to celebrate — but also much to reflect upon. The league has been praised for significant strides this season: a stable calendar, improved officiating, record-breaking away wins, and a thrilling title race that was settled weeks before the final round. Relegation battles raged until the last whistle, and the integrity of matchday officiating was largely preserved, with referees working free from intimidation and erring officials held accountable.

 

These are positive signs of progress, and when a friend congratulated me on the league’s success and playfully referred to Nigeria’s qualification for yet another “routine trip” to the continent, I couldn’t help but smile — though not without concern.

 

While the NPFL may be evolving on the domestic front, our clubs’ performance in CAF competitions continues to raise critical questions. The pressing issue is this: are our representatives truly prepared for the demands of continental football?

 

A look at the four teams that secured continental slots — Remo Stars, Rivers United, Abia Warriors, and one of Abakaliki FC or Kwara United — reveals a troubling reality. Of these, only Remo Stars appear to meet CAF’s basic infrastructure requirements, with their Ikenne stadium likely eligible to host preliminary matches. Rivers United, despite boasting two stadiums, lacks a CAF-approved venue. Abia Warriors’ ground barely meets Nigeria’s own lower league standards, and neither Abakaliki FC nor Kwara United fares much better.

 

This recurring issue underscores a painful truth: no team wins a continental title without a solid home base and fan support. Nigerian clubs are often forced to play “home” matches in unfamiliar, neutral stadiums, depriving them of one of the most crucial advantages in football.

 

Historically, Nigeria has made a mark in African club competitions. Enyimba’s back-to-back CAF Champions League triumphs in 2003 and 2004 remain a high point. Shooting Stars, Rangers International, Heartland FC, and others have reached finals, and in the 1970s, Nigeria claimed the first two African Cup Winners’ Cup titles. But since those golden years, Nigerian clubs have struggled to sustain their continental relevance.

 

So, why do we keep stumbling?

• Funding remains the Achilles’ heel. Most NPFL clubs are state-owned and underfunded, struggling to meet travel, accommodation, and player welfare needs.

• Infrastructure is outdated or nonexistent. Few clubs own proper training facilities, and many stadiums fall below CAF standards.

• Preparation is often rushed or non-existent. Late player registrations, chaotic pre-season schedules, and a lack of quality friendlies weaken competitiveness.

• Administrative inefficiency is rampant. Clubs frequently miss deadlines, submit incorrect paperwork, or mismanage travel logistics.

• Talent development is shallow. Youth systems are weak, and most teams rely on raw local talent with little international exposure.

• Calendar clashes persist. The NPFL often overlaps with CAF fixtures, while league pauses further rob players of match fitness.

• Security issues and regional instability sometimes lead to matches behind closed doors or at distant neutral venues.

 

Given these chronic issues, it’s fair to ask whether Nigeria’s continental campaigns are evolving beyond participation — or simply repeating a tired cycle.

 

As Remo Stars, Rivers United, Abia Warriors, and one other team prepare to fly Nigeria’s flag in Africa next season, optimism should be tempered with realism. Without urgent investment in infrastructure, professionalism, and strategic planning, we risk yet another year of early exits and missed opportunities.

 

Yes, the NPFL may be growing — but unless our clubs are equally prepared to grow beyond domestic success, this “routine trip” to the continent will remain just that: routine.