Makinwa identifies reasons Nigerian clubs fail in African competitions

Former Sunshine Stars coach Henry Makinwa has attributed the early exits of Nigerian clubs from Africa's club competitions to a combination of economic hardship, corruption, and poor management. Rivers United and Shooting Stars were among the clubs that were eliminated from the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup, respectively.

Poor salaries remain a significant factor as many top players in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) seek better remuneration in neighboring countries, Europe, and Asia, leaving local clubs weakened. Makinwa also highlighted corruption in players' recruitment as a critical problem. "Economic factors such as poor salaries and the emigration of good players to neighboring countries, Europe, and Asia have been major reasons behind Nigerian clubs' early exits in African competitions.

Corruption in players' recruitment and poor technical/tactical preparations are also critical issues," Makinwa wrote on X. He believes that Nigerian football requires professional management to regain its competitiveness on the continent.