Why Nigerian Clubs Fail In CAF Club Competitions - Ex-Enyimba Coach

Why Nigerian Clubs Fail In CAF Club Competitions - Ex-Enyimba Coach

Niyi Busari

Paul Aigbogun has told clubs in the Nigerian Premier League to have football academies affiliated with them if they intend to get it right soon in CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.

Aigbogun who had two spells with the Peoples Elephants in a chat with BSNSports.com.ng during the NPL Super 6 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, gave his verdict on why NPL teams fail the CAF inter-club tournament hurdle, as they best they have come close in the last 15 years is a semi-final finish.

"We have been left behind, other countries have moved forward in terms of many things," said the former Super Eagles assistant coach.

"Our league doesn't start on time, this year will be a big test if they start on time but it's more than that.

"In other countries, most of their best players are in their club while our best players are in the academy eyeing European club contracts.

"In the last nine years, we have been having a generation of players who just train to be a good player in this country and travel abroad. The club needs to sit down and academies be affiliated with our clubs.

"So that they can have young players who can easily come to the first team and play one or two years before they move to Europe."

The trio of Enyimba, Remo Stars, and Rivers United have confirmed their places in the CAF inter-club tournaments, while Rangers and Insurance will slug it out for a spot in the Federation Cup final, with the winner completing Nigeria's slot in the Confederation Cup.