Nigeria Leagues
Babayaro blames poor coaching, weak management for NPFL clubs’ continental decline
By Dayo Awoniyi
Former Nigeria goalkeeper and Olympic gold medallist Emmanuel Babayaro has attributed the poor performances of Nigerian clubs in CAF competitions to declining coaching quality, weak football management, and a loss of passion among players and administrators.
Speaking in an interview, Babayaro said the contrast between today’s Nigerian football environment and the golden era of the 1980s and 1990s is stark, noting that the country once led the continent in technical development and football intelligence.
“In the 1980s and 1990s, only a few African countries truly understood modern football, and Nigeria was one of them,” he said. “We had players driven by hunger, passion, and natural ability, guided by coaches who truly understood the game.”
He lamented that while modern coaches often hold certificates, many lack emotional understanding and tactical awareness, while players are increasingly motivated by fame and financial gain rather than national pride and achievement.
“Many coaches now have certificates but no psychological grasp of the game. And players? Most are created stars chasing fame and money, not born stars driven by glory,” Babayaro stated.
The former Plateau United shot-stopper also criticised the current state of club administration, describing it as profit-driven and lacking the patriotic spirit that once inspired success.
He recalled figures such as Chief MKO Abiola and Chief Edema of Julius Berger, whose personal sacrifices elevated their clubs to continental prominence.
“In those days, management might not have been sophisticated, but it had passion. Today, it’s all about profit, not pride,” he added.
Babayaro cited an example of a billionaire club owner who sold key players before a CAF Champions League campaign but blamed financial disparity for failure, calling it a reflection of administrative weakness.
He concluded by calling for structural reforms in Nigerian football, emphasising the need for technically sound coaching, passion-driven leadership, and sustainable development systems.
“Without passion-driven leadership and true development, our clubs will keep falling behind,” Babayaro warned.
