Super Eagles legend Ahmed Musa has expressed his concerns about the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and its ability to compete at the FIFA Club World Cup level.
After following the tournament, Musa reflected on the performance of African clubs and compared it to the NPFL. “I have been following the FIFA Club World Cup and my focus has been on the African clubs in the tournament,” Musa said. “Apart from the excitement, the tournament is a money-spinner for the African clubs.”
Musa’s observations led him to question whether NPFL teams can compete at the FIFA Club World Cup level. “Can we compete at this level?” Musa asked. “What are we not getting right?”
He emphasized the need for reforms in the NPFL, citing the importance of organization, clubs’ structure, and funding. “We need to review the organization of the League, clubs’ structure, and funding,” Musa stated. “We need to set out new policies and drive the reforms.”
According to Musa, the NPFL has potential but lacks the necessary systems to succeed. “The NPFL is not lacking in potential, our football has got abundance of talent and potential from the grassroots to the elite level, but these factors aren’t enough in a modern football system,” Musa said.
He stressed the importance of collective effort to make Nigerian football work. “We must collectively decide to make our football work which will ensure that our clubs compete at the continental and world level.”
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Musa also highlighted the issue of referees and officiating in Nigerian football. “What about the referees and officiating?” he asked. “Other African countries are producing referees for CAF and FIFA tournaments, but what do we have here?”
He emphasized the need for improvement in this area to meet global standards. “We must work hard to ensure our football meets the global standard and organization.”
Ahmed Musa (The Athletic Images)
Musa wished African countries participating in the FIFA Club World Cup success. “Wishing all the African countries at the FIFA Club World Cup success,” he said.
Musa’s comments serve as a call to action for stakeholders in Nigerian football to work towards improving the sport and ensuring that NPFL teams can compete at the highest level.
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Musa’s concerns about the NPFL are valid, and his suggestions for improvement are worth considering.
By reviewing the league’s organization, structure, and funding, and by working to improve refereeing and officiating, Nigerian football can potentially produce more successful teams that can compete with the best in the world.
