The Super Eagles B team’s crushing 4-0 defeat to Sudan in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) has sent shockwaves through Nigerian football, sparking fierce debate and introspection about the state of the country’s domestic league and the future of its homegrown talent. The loss, which sealed Nigeria’s early exit from CHAN with zero points, no goals scored, and five conceded, has become a rallying point for calls to overhaul the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) and reimagine the nation’s approach to football development.
For many fans, the result was more than just a bad day on the pitch. It was a stinging indictment of systemic issues that have plagued Nigerian football for years. Former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye didn’t mince words in his assessment, declaring, “The big thing that is bringing these boys down and disturbing them is because they are not exposed enough. Our league cannot give these boys that foundation for them to match up with other African countries. They are not exposed enough. They are not! So, let’s not be expecting a world-class performance, when we know what we have.” According to Ideye, the blame shouldn’t fall on Super Eagles B coach Eric Chelle, but rather on the lack of exposure and inadequate player development in the NPFL.
Ideye, who has played in both the NPFL and top European leagues, knows firsthand the gulf in standards. He continued, “People are putting fingers of blame on the coach, complaining about his tactics and all that. But what they have to know is that all the players play different tactics in their clubs. That way, the coach does not have enough time to blend these boys, teach them his tactics, and make them understand how to play his style.” His comments echo the frustrations of fans and pundits alike, who watched as Nigeria’s CHAN squad struggled to execute even basic tactical instructions, looking disorganized in defense, toothless in attack, and outmatched in every department against Sudan.
The CHAN tournament, designed to showcase the best of Africa’s domestic leagues, instead exposed the deep-rooted problems within the NPFL. In recent years, Nigerian clubs have consistently crashed out early in continental competitions, unable to compete with teams from nations once considered footballing minnows. The NPFL’s issues are manifold: poor league structure, financial instability, weak governance, lack of talent retention, coaching deficiencies, and inadequate infrastructure all play a part in the decline.
Financial woes are at the heart of the matter. Many NPFL clubs operate on shoestring budgets, with players often facing unpaid wages and poor working conditions. Clubs heavily reliant on government funding are subject to the whims of politicians, leading to inconsistent support and, at times, outright neglect. Even when funds are available, mismanagement and embezzlement are far too common, leaving little for player welfare or development.
On the pitch, the consequences are clear. The CHAN Eagles’ performance against Sudan was described by one analyst as “a masterclass in how not to play football—disorganised defending, a non-existent midfield, and a toothless attack.” Sudan’s coach, Kwesi Appiah, implemented a structured, high-pressing system that left Nigeria chasing shadows. He reportedly remarked after the match that, having watched Nigeria’s previous game against Senegal, he knew his side could win, but never expected such a wide margin. Perhaps most pointedly, Appiah added, “It is not as though the Nigerian team is not endowed with good players; all they need is a bit of good coaching.”
This assessment cuts to the core of the technical deficiencies plaguing Nigerian football. Most NPFL coaches lack access to modern training methodologies, and player development is hampered by poor pitches, outdated tactics, and a lack of competitive edge. Young talents are often thrust into first teams without proper grooming, and the best players are quickly lured abroad, leaving domestic clubs unable to build cohesive, competitive squads over time.
The lack of exposure to high-level competition is glaring. While Sudanese players benefit from representing clubs like Al-Hilal and Al-Merreikh in CAF tournaments, Nigerian players rarely get such opportunities. The result is a technical and tactical gulf that was painfully evident in the CHAN defeat. As Ideye noted, “The coach may not have enough time but, as a football player, those boys ought to know the day they will be playing 4-4-2 or 4-3-3. The coach will only find a way to put them together and make sure they win a match.”
Yet, despite the gloom, there are glimmers of hope and a growing consensus on the path forward. Experts and former players alike are calling for a total overhaul of the NPFL, starting with increased private sector investment and governance reform. The league, they argue, must be run like a modern business, insulated from political interference and committed to transparency and accountability. Strategic partnerships with firms like GTI Group and collaborations with foreign football agencies could bring much-needed expertise in scouting, analytics, and youth development.
Youth academies are another critical piece of the puzzle. Every NPFL club, it is argued, should operate functional academies with clear pathways from grassroots to professional football. Integrating education and football, as seen in collaborations with agencies like V Agency Sports Management, can ensure players have dual career options and long-term stability. Competitive salaries and incentives are also essential to keep top talent in the league, while aggressive marketing and media partnerships can help rebuild fan engagement and attract sponsors.
Coaching education is paramount. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) is being urged to enforce CAF-licensed coaching requirements and establish exchange programs with European academies. Only by raising the standard of coaching can Nigerian teams hope to compete tactically with the best in Africa. Additionally, infrastructure investment—renovating stadia, upgrading pitches, and building modern training centers—will provide players with the environment they need to develop technical skills and tactical awareness.
As the CHAN Eagles prepare for their final group match against Congo, there remains a slim chance for redemption. A victory could see Nigeria finish third in the group and, depending on other results, perhaps even progress to the next round. But regardless of the outcome, the message is clear: Nigerian football is at a crossroads. The 4-0 defeat to Sudan should serve as a wake-up call—a catalyst for a total football revolution.
Stakeholders must seize this moment to enact meaningful change. If they do, the NPFL can rise from its current mediocrity and restore Nigeria’s place among Africa’s footballing elite. If not, more humiliations surely await. The time to act is now, before the “Giant of African Football” becomes a relic of the past.