Nigeria's Football In Shambles: A Lack Of Vision and Leadership, Says Ex International Abiodun Baruwa

Former Nigerian international goalkeeper Abiodun Baruwa says the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has been plagued by corruption and mismanagement, hindering the growth and development of Nigerian football.

Baruwa was a player for Nigeria U-23 at the 1996 summer Olympics when his team won the gold medal. The former FC Sion of Switzerland goalkeeper was selected for the 1998 World Cup with the Nigeria national team, the Super Eagles.

"From the top to the bottom, the organization lacks a clear plan, vision, and leadership. The NFF seems more focused on enriching its officials rather than developing the sport. This has led to a lack of investment in grassroots football, inadequate support for coaches and players, and poor administration of the sport," Baruwa told SportsBoom.com.

CONSEQUENCES OF NFF's FAILURES

Baruwa opined that the consequences of the NFF's failures are far-reaching.

"The Super Eagles' poor performance in recent tournaments is a direct result of the NFF's failures, and the absence of a clear plan and vision has hindered the development of Nigerian football, particularly at the grassroots level.

"The NFF's corruption has led to a lack of trust and confidence in the organization."

LACK OF LONG-TERM PLANNING AND INVESTMENT IN NIGERIAN FOOTBALL

The Nigerian football system is plagued by a lack of long-term planning and investment, particularly in the domestic league. The focus on short-term gains and a "game-by-game" approach is detrimental to the development of the sport.

"You can't run football like this. It's wrong." The absence of a clear vision and strategy has led to a decline in the quality of players produced by the Nigerian league," Baruwa hinted.

NEGLECTING THE DOMESTIC LEAGUE

He pointed that the failure to invest in the domestic league has severe consequences.

"The Nigerian league is no longer producing top-quality players, forcing the national team to rely on players playing abroad. The best Nigerian players are seeking opportunities abroad, depriving the domestic league of talent and expertise.

"The neglect of the domestic league has contributed to the decline of Nigerian football, making it challenging for the national team to compete with other top African teams."

NIGERIA'S FOOTBALL PARADOX: BIG COUNTRY, SMALL-MINDED APPROACH

As a prominent football nation, Nigeria's approach to the sport is surprisingly unprofessional. The lack of contracts for coaches is a glaring example of this. "Only in Nigeria coaches don't have contracts. It's bad business," said Baruwa.

"Coaches are left in limbo, unsure of their future, which affects their ability to plan and develop the team. Without contracts, coaches are not held accountable for their performance, leading to a lack of responsibility and motivation.

"The absence of a stable coaching environment hinders player development, as coaches are not invested in the long-term growth of the team."

REFORM AND CHANGE: THE WAY FORWARD

Baruwa said to revitalize Nigerian football, a radical overhaul of the system is necessary.

"There is need to professionalize the NFF thereby establishing a professional and transparent governing body that prioritizes the development of Nigeria football with a clear vision and plan. We need to also invest more in grassroots football, providing support for coaches, players, and infrastructure development.

"The Nigerian league has to be reformed by implementing changes to the league structure, including improved governance, financial management and competitiveness."

The former Sturm Graz goalkeeper further said the NFF needs to be more transparent and accountable in its dealings, including its finances and decision-making process.