Nigerian football clubs must improve their planning, coaching, performance, and player quality if they truly want to impress on the continent.
After the first round of games, two out of four Nigerian teams are already out. This may not be surprising given the standards of the past decade, but Abia Warriors and Kwara United should have fared better.
Why Possess and Not Penetrate?
This was the question I asked Imama Amapakabo after Abia Warriors’ first-leg game against Djoliba in Uyo. What was the point of all that possession without penetration?
On the day, I saw an Abia Warriors side play decent football in the first half. They played the way Imama likes his teams to- keeping possession, pressing high. But did Imama forget to tell them to score? By the second half, the team grew jittery. Anxiety set in, they resorted to long balls, and lost control until the equalizer came.
I knew the second leg would be difficult against experienced campaigners like Djoliba. The excuse of young players lacking continental experience is valid, but more valid is the fact that this was Abia Warriors’ first-ever outing in Africa. Disappointing results are part of that learning curve. Still, they earned $50,000 (about ₦150 million). If they are serious, they can build on this and return stronger.
When Afonja Fails You
If there was one Nigerian club written off from the start, it was Kwara United. Their draw against Asante Kotoko, a seasoned continental side looked like the end before it began. But that first-leg result surprised everyone. Kwara only needed a 1–0 win at home, yet they somehow contrived to lose 1–0.
I do not want to overflog the issue of Nigerian clubs playing “home” games away from home. What is the point of spending so much to qualify for Africa when you don’t even have a stadium to host matches? But beyond that, the real question is: how prepared were these clubs? Prepared in terms of players, coaching, administration, logistics, and welfare? Again, Kwara will pocket $50,000 (about ₦150 million). Hopefully, they use it wisely because another continental opportunity may not come soon.
This may not be the End of the Road for Rivers and Remo?
Remo Stars acquitted themselves well in the first round. After three attempts, they finally made it to the next stage. They should celebrate this milestone before focusing on the giant in front of them- Sundowns. I won’t indulge in the usual Nigerian optimism of “anything is possible” or “by God’s grace they will qualify” or “Sundowns can be beaten.” No. If Remo Stars want to reach the CAF Champions League group stage, a feat no Nigerian side has managed since Sunshine Stars in 2018, they know what to do. The real test begins now.
For Rivers United, the fixture looks easier on paper. They face Mozambique’s Black Bulls. But if their display in Uyo against Les Aigles is anything to go by, they can as well kiss the competition goodbye.
The game in Uyo was an eyesore. Unlike the fluid “Finidi Ball” we expect, Rivers couldn’t string passes together. When they did, the passes were heavy. The attackers ran aimlessly, like children playing at the beach. And when chances came, they wasted them in criminal fashion. Still, they managed to squeeze through thanks to a Stephen Manyo goal.
Now, the hope is that they will step up in the next round. It would be good to see two Nigerian clubs in the group stage. One would be acceptable. But there is also the real possibility of none.
Nigerian clubs simply have to do better.
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