Remo Stars coach Daniel Ogunmodede has emphasised that Nigerian clubs will need at least five to ten years of sustained improvement before they can realistically compete at the level of the FIFA Club World Cup. Drawing on the historic success of Enyimba in the early 2000s, Ogunmodede acknowledged that that era should not be mistaken for the current norm.
He highlighted several systemic weaknesses, including poor player welfare, inadequate funding, and substandard infrastructure factors that hamper competitiveness against clubs like Al Ahly, Zamalek, or South African sides with significantly higher budgets. As examples, he contrasted average domestic salaries of ₦500,000 per month with the $10,000–$15,000 earned in North African leagues.
Recent CAF campaigns underline the issue: in the past six seasons, no Nigerian side has reached the knockout stage of the Champions League, and most have exited the Confederation Cup after the group phase. Brown Ideye also weighed in, labelling NPFL operations—including travel logistics and hotel standards as “getting worse” and pleaded for urgent reform.
Ogunmodede maintained optimism, though, pledging that Remo Stars will uphold Nigeria’s pride in continental competitions. But he reinforced a sobering reality closing the gap to club-world-class football demands realistic timelines, strategic planning, and structural overhaul across the domestic game.
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Editorial
We agree with Ogunmodede: Nigerian clubs are nowhere near global competitive standards. With prominent teams failing to pass preliminary CAF rounds, miracles won’t repeat themselves without systemic change. We believe one-off glory—like Enyimba’s 2003 triumph should serve as inspiration, not illusion. The domestic league needs talent retention, modern infrastructure, and financial stability if it’s to produce continental contenders.
We feel Brown Ideye’s criticism lays bare the consequences of neglect poor travel, shabby accommodations, and lack of professional backup all undermine competitive ambitions. We assert the path ahead demands layered reform: improved welfare, enhanced coaching, performance tracking, and academy development not just ambition framed by hopes for a future Club World Cup berth.
We stand convinced: the next half-decade should be about laying foundations, not chasing silverware. Only then can Nigerian clubs realistically aspire to stand shoulder to shoulder with football’s elite.
Did You Know?
- No Nigerian club has reached the CAF Champions League knockout stage in the past six seasons.
- Only Enyimba (2016) and Lobi Stars (2019) have progressed to the group stage in that period—and both failed to advance further.
- The last Nigerian club to win any CAF competition was Enyimba, back-to-back in 2003 and 2004>.
- The average NPFL player earns around ₦500,000 per month, compared to $10,000–$15,000 in North African leagues.
- CAF reforms and FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup in 2025 may offer more opportunity—but only if Nigerian clubs evolve structurally first.
