The State of Football in Nigeria, 2024 Review: Super Eagles on the brink of missing out 2026 World Cup qualification.

 

The state of Football in Nigeria is reviewed here by Fantaxtik Sports Marketing and Management Limited. We'll like to have your contributions in the commentary box - to make this post richer for our readers. 

2024 Nigerian Football Highpoints

The year 2024 has some highpoints and mixed performances for Nigerian football, marked by significant achievements across various levels. From Ademola Lookman's stellar performances to the Super Falcons' continued dominance, the Flying Eagles' WAFU Cup victory, and the Bayelsa Queens' triumph, the future of Nigerian football looks bright as we gradually enter into the year 2025

Government Reforms: National Sports Commission

In 2024, the Nigerian government dissolved the Ministry of Sports, replacing it with a National Sports Commission. This move aims to improve the management and development of sports in the country.

The potential benefits of this restructuring include streamlined operations, better allocation of resources, and increased accountability. However, it is imperative to ensure that the Commission actively collaborates with NFF, the private sector and local communities. Such partnerships can support local small businesses and foster a robust sports ecosystem.

 Ademola Lookman: Continue his stellar Performances this Year

Ademola Lookman's incredible performance throughout the year has not gone unnoticed, and there is a growing consensus that he should be crowned the next African Footballer of the Year. Lookman, who plays for Atalanta in Serie A, has consistently dazzled fans with his skill, speed, and goal-scoring prowess. His ability to change the course of a match with his creativity and precision has made him a standout player not only in Nigeria but across the continent. In 2024, Lookman has been instrumental in both his club and national team’s successes, making him a top contender for the prestigious award. His hat trick at Europa finals, helping Atlanta win for the first time in club history. 

Super Falcons: Dominating African Women’s Football.

The Super Falcons, Nigeria's national women's team, have once again proven their dominance in African football by retaining the title of the best female team on the continent. Their impressive performances throughout the year, including their undefeated streak in the Africa Women's Cup of Nations qualifiers, highlight their commitment to excellence and their status as role models for aspiring female athletes. The team's cohesion, tactical acumen, and relentless spirit have set them apart from their competitors, ensuring that Nigeria remains a formidable force in women’s football.

 Flying Eagles: Champions of the WAFU Cup

In men's youth football, the Flying Eagles have brought pride to Nigeria by winning the WAFU (West African Football Union) Cup. This victory is a testament to the country's rich talent pool and the effective development programs in place. The Flying Eagles showcased their prowess on the field with a blend of tactical discipline, teamwork, and individual brilliance. Their triumph at the WAFU Cup not only boosts the morale of young Nigerian footballers but also promises a bright future for the national team as these players continue to develop.

Bayelsa Queens: Triumph in WAFU B

The Bayelsa Queens have made headlines by clinching the WAFU B title in women’s club football. Their success has been a source of inspiration for other clubs within Nigeria, demonstrating that with determination and hard work, Nigerian teams can compete at the highest levels in regional competitions. The Bayelsa Queens' victory is a reflection of the growing momentum in women's club football in Nigeria, highlighting the increasing opportunities and recognition for female athletes in the country.

The Main Points

The year 2024 has been both a challenging and transformative period for Nigerian football. The nation's football landscape, from the echelons of the national teams to the grassroots, has faced hurdles that require strategic planning and implementation. This review will delve into the current state of Nigerian football, focusing on ten crucial areas that highlight both its struggles and potential for growth.

Super Eagles: Struggling for World Cup Qualification

Nigeria's men's national team, the Super Eagles, are on the brink of missing out on the 2026 World Cup qualification. Having already failed to qualify for the 2022 edition, the pressure is mounting on both players and coaching staff. The team's performance has been inconsistent, with defensive frailties and a lack of creativity in the midfield being major concerns.

Practical steps for improvement include hiring experienced coaches familiar with both international play and the unique challenges of African football. Engaging local talents and support from local small businesses can provide financial backing and community support, potentially revitalizing the team. For example, the collaboration between local businesses and football academies in Lagos has shown promising results, nurturing young talents who could be future Super Eagles stars.

Super Falcons: Post-World Cup Challenges

The Super Falcons, Nigeria's women's team, have struggled to replicate their World Cup performances at the Olympics. Despite a history of strong showings, the team has seen difficulties in maintaining its competitive edge. To overcome these challenges, the focus should shift to player development and sustaining a robust domestic league that can feed into the national team.

An effective strategy involves partnering with private enterprises to fund training programs and tournaments. This not only enhances player skills but also promotes women's football at the grassroots level, encouraging more girls to participate in sports.

Age-Grade Teams: Golden Eaglets and Beyond

Nigeria’s age-grade teams, including the Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles, have traditionally been strong contenders in youth tournaments. However, recent performances have been lackluster, with the U23 Olympic team and the Flamingos (U17 women) unable to make significant impacts.

To address this, structured academies should be established, focusing on holistic player development. This includes technical skills, tactical understanding, and psychological resilience. Real-world examples like the Aspire Academy model in Qatar could serve as a blueprint, emphasizing long-term investment in youth.

 Nigerian League: NPFL and NNL: Striving for Stability

The Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) and the Nigerian National League (NNL) face numerous structural challenges, including inadequate funding and poor management. These issues hinder the leagues' competitiveness and ability to attract talent.

Implementing a transparent governance structure within the leagues is crucial. This involves accountability in financial transactions and engaging stakeholders in decision-making processes. Furthermore, leveraging sponsorship deals with local businesses could provide much-needed financial support and increase the leagues' visibility.

NWFL: The Women's League

The Nigerian Women’s Football League (NWFL) faces similar issues, with additional challenges rooted in gender inequality. The league requires significant investment and media coverage to thrive.

Encouraging corporate partnerships is vital for the NWFL's growth. Companies can support local small businesses by sponsoring teams, thus gaining positive publicity while promoting sports development. Such collaborations can help bridge the gender gap in Nigerian football.

Grassroots Development: Building the Foundation

 Lack of School Football and Structured Academies

Grassroots football in Nigeria suffers from a lack of infrastructure and organized programs. Schools often lack proper facilities, and football academies are not uniformly structured or accessible.

To remedy this, the establishment of well-equipped community centers and partnerships with local educational institutions is essential. These centers would not only provide training facilities but also serve as educational hubs, fostering both academic and athletic excellence.

Absence of Vibrant Local Tournaments

Local tournaments are critical for unearthing and nurturing talent. However, the absence of well-organized competitions has stymied the growth of grassroots football. Tournaments like Principal's Cup, She'll/NNPC cup for secondary schools, Channels Kids cup for primary schools are no longer in operation. 

Other tournaments organized outside the school structure: YSFON Cup, Mock Nations Cup, Super X league are no longer what they use to be. 

Revitalizing local tournaments through public-private partnerships can stimulate community involvement and support for young athletes. A successful example is the Copa Coca-Cola tournament, which has been instrumental in discovering young talents across Nigeria and beyond. 

 Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), the problems of Nigerian football

Poor Structure and Accountability

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has faced criticism for its lack of transparency and ineffective management. These issues have led to poor decision-making and have hindered the progress of Nigerian football.

NFF inability to develop the game locally has led to the over reliance of foreign grown Nigerian descendants gradually dominating the National team. No single home based player ever featured for Super Eagles this year. 

Implementing a robust governance framework is necessary to address these concerns. This would involve regular audits, stakeholder engagement, clear vision and communication channels. Additionally, support from local businesses can enhance financial stability and accountability within the NFF.

 Engaging the Right Coaches and Managers

A recurrent issue for the NFF is its inability to engage competent coaches and managers. The selection process often lacks transparency and is influenced by non-meritocratic factors.

To attract and retain top coaching talent, the NFF should offer competitive compensation packages and ensure a merit-based selection process. Collaborations with football associations from countries with successful football programs, such as Germany or Brazil, could provide valuable insights and training opportunities.

Looking Ahead: What’s in Store for 2025?

NFF should work to tame the tide and get Super Eagles back on course for the 2026 world Cup qualifications. All hope is not lost, but first, they must stead the ship. NFF should rest the case of seeking for a foreign coach and focus on working with Austin Eguaveon in this regard. 

The future of Nigerian football holds both challenges and opportunities. Key areas of focus should include enhancing the domestic leagues, investing in grassroots development, and fostering a culture of professionalism within football administration.

Strategic partnerships with local businesses and international organizations can be pivotal in driving these changes. By supporting local small businesses, the football community can create a sustainable ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders involved.

Conclusion

As Nigeria's football landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial to address the structural and developmental challenges that have hindered progress. By fostering collaboration between government entities, the private sector, and local communities, Nigerian football can thrive on both the national and international stage.

In conclusion, what role can local communities play in supporting Nigerian football? How can corporate entities be encouraged to invest in grassroots development? These questions invite reflection and action, paving the way for a brighter future for football in Nigeria.