Can NPFL clubs make impact on the continent this time?

The 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season will be remembered as one of the most competitive in recent history. From the title race to the relegation battle, uncertainty remained until the final weeks of the campaign, leaving fans captivated throughout the season.

With Rangers International, Rivers United and Shooting Stars set to represent Nigeria on the continent, attention has once again shifted to a familiar question: can Nigerian clubs finally restore the country’s status in African club football?

The challenge is significant

The last Nigerian club to reach the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League was Sunshine Stars in 2012. Ironically, the Akure-based club now competes in the Nigeria National League. Since then, Nigerian clubs have struggled to make meaningful progress in continental competitions.

The CAF Confederation Cup has offered little relief. Rivers United’s run to the quarter-finals in 2024 remains one of the few bright spots in recent years.

Many reasons have been advanced for the decline. Remo Stars proprietor, Kunle Soname, once noted that Nigerian clubs cannot compete financially with their counterparts in North Africa and South Africa, where player remuneration and welfare packages are significantly better.

While financial limitations are real, they do not tell the whole story.

Clubs from Ghana, Senegal, DR Congo,and other African nations have consistently performed well on the continent despite facing challenges that are not entirely different from those confronting Nigerian clubs. Therefore, improving remuneration alone will not automatically translate into continental success.

If Nigerian clubs are to compete effectively, several practical measures must be taken.

Early Access to CAF-Approved Equipment:

One recurring complaint from Nigerian clubs is the late arrival of CAF-approved match balls and equipment. The Nigeria Football Federation and participating clubs must work together to ensure that such materials are received early enough for players to train with them before continental competitions commence.

At the highest level, even small details matter. Familiarity with match equipment can make a difference.

Effective Recruitment and Squad Building:

Successful continental campaigns often begin long before the first match is played.

Clubs must strengthen their scouting networks and identify key targets early. Areas of weakness should be addressed immediately after the domestic season ends, allowing new signings sufficient time to settle into the team.

North African clubs excel in this area, often concluding their recruitment plans before pre-season begins.

Faster Player Registration and Clearance:

One challenge Nigerian clubs frequently encounter is the delayed clearance of newly signed players.

The NPFL and football authorities should serve as facilitators to ensure that transfers and registrations are completed promptly. Early clearance enables players to participate fully in pre-season preparations and tactical sessions.

Strong Financial Backing:

Continental football requires significant investment.

Historically, Nigerian clubs have performed best when there was strong institutional support from state governments and club management. Enyimba’s back-to-back CAF Champions League triumphs in 2003 and 2004 were backed by deliberate financial commitment and administrative stability.

For clubs owned by state governments, timely funding is essential. Continental football cannot be approached as an afterthought.

Begin Preparations Immediately:

One major weakness of Nigerian clubs has been late preparation.

Rather than waiting until weeks before the competition, clubs should begin building their squads now. Early preparation allows coaches to integrate new players, develop tactical cohesion and improve team chemistry.

Successful African clubs spend months preparing for continental campaigns.

Quality Friendly Matches:

Preparation should include competitive friendly matches against strong opposition.

Exposure to teams with different tactical approaches helps players adapt to the demands of continental football. Enyimba’s international friendlies before their historic CAF Champions League successes remain a useful example of the benefits of high-level preparation.

Where possible, clubs should seek opportunities to play opponents from outside Nigeria.

Engagement with FIFA-Accredited Referees:

African competitions are often decided by small margins, and players must understand how matches are managed under international officiating standards.

Regular interactions with FIFA-accredited referees during pre-season can help players better understand the Laws of the Game, disciplinary expectations and match management.

Such knowledge can prevent costly mistakes during crucial matches.

The Road Ahead:

The talent exists.The passion exists. The fan support exists.

What has been missing in recent years is the level of planning, investment and professionalism required to compete with Africa’s elite clubs.

Rangers International, Rivers United and Shooting Stars have an opportunity to change the narrative. However, success will not come through hope alone. It will require preparation, financial commitment, strategic recruitment and strong administrative support.

If these elements are put in place, Nigerian clubs can once again become genuine contenders on the African stage rather than mere participants.

The question is no longer whether Nigerian clubs have the talent to succeed. The real question is whether they are willing to prepare adequately for the challenge ahead.