Makinwa cites poor pay, graft, weak management for Nigerian clubs' CAF exits
Former Sunshine Stars coach Henry Makinwa says economic hardship, corruption and poor management are behind the early exit of Nigerian clubs from Africa's club competitions. Rivers United were knocked out of the CAF Champions League, while Shooting Stars lost in the CAF Confederation Cup. Makinwa points out that low salaries in the Nigeria Premier Football League push top players to move to neighboring countries, Europe or Asia, leaving local sides weakened. He also cites corruption in player recruitment and inadequate technical and tactical preparation as key problems. According to Makinwa, restoring competitiveness requires professional management structures and better remuneration to keep talent at home. The latest CAF exits follow a pattern of Nigerian teams struggling to progress beyond the group stages in continental tournaments. Fans and stakeholders often question why clubs with rich histories fail to translate domestic success into international results. While some blame individual match officials or bad luck, Makinwa's analysis highlights systemic issues that need urgent attention from club owners, league administrators and policymakers. Without addressing salary delays, ensuring transparent recruitment and investing in coaching education, Nigerian sides will continue to watch rivals from North Africa and elsewhere advance deeper into CAF competitions. Will better pay and transparent recruitment be enough to turn things around, or does Nigerian football need a complete overhaul of its management structure?