At no particular time can we say Nigerian soccer has reached its peak. Besides winning the Cup of Nations in the 80s and qualifying (mostly by luck and prayers) to the world cup, Nigerian soccer couldn’t have been said to rose to any height at any time.
However, compared to what used to be in the 80s, and 90s, the standard of the Nigerian soccer could be said to have fallen.
Mr. Tony Ubani, of the Vanguardnews made a valid point in this regard and I quote “Nigerians are used to worrying alot about such things as bad roads, light, poor health service, among others, Now, football has joined their worries”.
Tony Ubani is right because everything about Nigerian soccer seems to be going wrong. From the administrators to coaches and even players, things seems not to be normal.
What therefore are the factors responsible for this.
The first factor is interference. Interference starts from the election of unqualified and incapable Football administrators who in turn recruit or sign an unqualified coach, who in turn put together a bunch of misfits as players. This circle is continuous because everybody in Government feels he/she should be represented in the affairs of Football in this country for his/her personal interest.
The second factor is money in football. Money, has become the overriding factor in soccer administration in Nigeria. The coach bribes to be signed in as coach while the player brings money, and at times a “note” from above to be selected.
The third factor is tribalism. Nigeria is a multiethnic country with well over 250 tribes, but in soccer administration, only three tribes dominate. That is Hausa, Yoruba and Ibo. Selection of players to the National team is therefore based not on merit, but that you come from any of these three tribes.
Many other factors are working against the steady growth of Nigerian Soccer. Until these factors are eradicated, the future of the Nigerian soccer is dimmed.
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