African Football Discussion Thread: {Current Topic: 👉 CAF player of the year}

[Queen Julie]

Look how all our Nigerian superstars are having a good time at their clubs, but when they come for international duty, it will be a bad result.
Awoniyi scored for Coventry yesterday, Tolu also scored for Ajax, Osimhen as usual always scoring/ Josh Mbeumo scoring for Le Havre this week.
Nigeria have quality players. I don't know how they keep messing up when they come home.

Truth be told, our Nigerian Football Federation is poorly managed, and likewise they lack the substantial financial capabilities to be able to run its affairs without compromise. Because if I'm not mistaken, I could remember one time one of our Super Eagle players was complaining of he using his own money to book hotel when they were to play an away match in a different country, of which we all know that this would have been the responsibility of the Nigerian Football Federation. And we all know that things like this can demoralize players from giving their best when its not been appreciated by both the goverment and its organizing agencies.

The money has always been there but we lack the leaders who we be wiling to put in more money to support the Nigerian Football Federation. Our President recently spent billions to  buy a private jet and to build a home worth over 15 billion naira that he isn't going to stay in. Meanwhile, we have a stadium that can't host the AFCON. Other African countries can co-host the World Cup. Our leaders are selfish. That has always been the problem that affects the Super Eagles. Our leaders don't see any value in football.

[Ojima-ojo]

Truth be told, our Nigerian Football Federation is poorly managed, and likewise they lack the substantial financial capabilities to be able to run its affairs without compromise. Because if I'm not mistaken, I could remember one time one of our Super Eagle players was complaining of he using his own money to book hotel when they were to play an away match in a different country, of which we all know that this would have been the responsibility of the Nigerian Football Federation. And we all know that things like this can demoralize players from giving their best when its not been appreciated by both the goverment and its organizing agencies.

I guess you are referring to John Mikel Obi because he was the one who made that claim even though Samson Siasia disputed the part of him paying for flights but paid for accommodation and feeding. Whichever one he paid for it was really embarrassing to hear that because Alex Iwobi also said that most of the players do book flights for international duties with their own money which isn't supposed to be so. The NFF really needs to be sanitised because their is a lot of bad people in there that doesn't want the progress of the team that is why they always deny them the enabling environment to feel comfortable to that they can be able to divert funds to their personal wallets.

That can result into player's demotivation because having to fund their basic bill like flight and accomodations when on a national assignment is a poor thing and something that is not helping the current situation and conditions of many national clubs in Africa.


This can also translate to player's having to treat themselves when they have injuries, because even though government set aside players welfare fund in the football budget, this fund may fail to get into the right hand because of corruption and lack of management of resources by those at the top of management of the team.

[PVequalNRT]

The money has always been there but we lack the leaders who we be wiling to put in more money to support the Nigerian Football Federation. Our President recently spent billions to  buy a private jet and to build a home worth over 15 billion naira that he isn't going to stay in. Meanwhile, we have a stadium that can't host the AFCON. Other African countries can co-host the World Cup. Our leaders are selfish. That has always been the problem that affects the Super Eagles. Our leaders don't see any value in football.

I don't know for Abuja as state capital but I can tell you for a fact that Nigerian sports is somehow and it will injustice to blame the federal government without blaming everyone involved. You need to understand that to built a standard stadium in a state, the federal government can't do that alone, it's the involvement of states and federal government that put hands together to make it work. If the federal government choose one state, all of you will complain that why did they build one in Lagos and not in Abia.

The state government has their role to play to set up the stadium, if they don't want to invest you can't expect the federal government to push all the money, they have other things to settle for the country and not stadium alone.

[Zigabel]

And on top of that you’ll still find out that this players are being owed about 3 months salaries and other match bonuses. Several case of players not being paid their match allowance or salary have been reported and one keep wondering why the Federation won’t pay their players their bonuses not that the money isn’t there, they have the resources needed to make this players comfortable to enable them perform really well and build a strong national team capable of winning the World Cup, but they won’t do it because of their personal gains.

The system obviously is in shambles and poorly managed, all of this situations are arising because the poor management of the whole system, and this is one of the major reasons you hardly see people or investors paying attention to the team, because it is obvious that they are been managed too poorly and any money invested could be to waste. It is so disheartening and a good reason for which some Nigerians refused to join the national team but join other National team where they believe they will find security for their career, even though they have got Nigerian origin.

[abaeze]

Truth be told, our Nigerian Football Federation is poorly managed, and likewise they lack the substantial financial capabilities to be able to run its affairs without compromise. Because if I'm not mistaken, I could remember one time one of our Super Eagle players was complaining of he using his own money to book hotel when they were to play an away match in a different country, of which we all know that this would have been the responsibility of the Nigerian Football Federation. And we all know that things like this can demoralize players from giving their best when its not been appreciated by both the goverment and its organizing agencies.

It is absolutely wrong for a player who is representing a country to be treated badly. It is a very big shame for them, because we cannot continue to be draw backward due to greed and selfish interest. Players are meant to be properly taken care of, but it seems to be different in our country. Honestly, I don't blame them anymore, because there is nobody who would feel happy when they are not treated well - you must definitely feel bad at all times. At least they should make everything easy for them and see if they will remain the same.

This team had a golden past but unfortunately, due to corruption or weakness in football administration, problems have arisen in every part of football. In my opinion, the main reason behind the decline or weakness of Nigerian football is not lack of talent but the inability to convert that talent into consistent success. We still have talented footballers playing in big leagues in Europe but the problem is that they are not being able to make the most of that talent as regularly as in the past. There are also various other weaknesses such as: lack of quality academies, coaching, fields, youth development and competitive domestic leagues. And in these areas, there is a lack of investment and management and lack of discipline. If the management of the Nigerian Football Federation is within an accountable system and there is no problem with making the right decisions, then this problem can be solved in the long run.

[Ndabagi01]

The money has always been there but we lack the leaders who we be wiling to put in more money to support the Nigerian Football Federation. Our President recently spent billions to  buy a private jet and to build a home worth over 15 billion naira that he isn't going to stay in. Meanwhile, we have a stadium that can't host the AFCON. Other African countries can co-host the World Cup. Our leaders are selfish. That has always been the problem that affects the Super Eagles. Our leaders don't see any value in football.

They know the value in football more than us and they’ve also seen the advantage it brings to a nation when they host big championships like that but do you know the problem we are having with our nation? Our leaders are after their own selfish interest and not after what will develop the nation. Everyone given the position today are after enriching themselves and their families. They call it a national cake, and so they’ll eat their own part of the cake and leave the rest. This ideology has killed the nation and it is embedded in even the young and upcoming ones. Until there is total rehabilitation of the mindset of the people form the grassroots, I don’t think anything will work out for us in this regards.

[Ronsbit]

Federal government finally redeemed their vows of $100k to the Falcons which was made earlier this year after the won their tenth Women championship. Although it took a while before the federal government finally redeemed it but at least they have done well. Maybe if they had redeemed it earlier who knows if it could have stired the players into action to making sure they had qualified for the women's world cup tournament. Currently the Falcons are not in good form and all these could attribute to the fact that they are not being encouraged and that drops the moral of the player's in putting less efforts and that is what is currently affecting their performance. Anyways the federal government finally redeemed their vows and I commend them for that.

[Mr Reporter]

The money has always been there but we lack the leaders who we be wiling to put in more money to support the Nigerian Football Federation. Our President recently spent billions to  buy a private jet and to build a home worth over 15 billion naira that he isn't going to stay in. Meanwhile, we have a stadium that can't host the AFCON. Other African countries can co-host the World Cup. Our leaders are selfish. That has always been the problem that affects the Super Eagles. Our leaders don't see any value in football.

One big funny fact about it all is that not that Nigeria government doesn’t have money for football to them I just feel it not a priority to them just like you have labeled it as, just like they say money will appear anytime they want to buy presidential jets, new residence, convoys, But now let talk about the National Stadium in Abuja, Surulere look how bad it has become now….they are not just ready for football that just it….

[Odusko]

The money has always been there but we lack the leaders who we be wiling to put in more money to support the Nigerian Football Federation. Our President recently spent billions to  buy a private jet and to build a home worth over 15 billion naira that he isn't going to stay in. Meanwhile, we have a stadium that can't host the AFCON. Other African countries can co-host the World Cup. Our leaders are selfish. That has always been the problem that affects the Super Eagles. Our leaders don't see any value in football.

I don't know for Abuja as state capital but I can tell you for a fact that Nigerian sports is somehow and it will injustice to blame the federal government without blaming everyone involved. You need to understand that to built a standard stadium in a state, the federal government can't do that alone, it's the involvement of states and federal government that put hands together to make it work. If the federal government choose one state, all of you will complain that why did they build one in Lagos and not in Abia.

The state government has their role to play to set up the stadium, if they don't want to invest you can't expect the federal government to push all the money, they have other things to settle for the country and not stadium alone.

There is no international fit standards stadium in Nigeria, even the Abuja stadium have not be mentain and there is no upgrade done on the games infrastructure for year's, now which means the stadium is still not fit to co host any world cup games, and that sucks as giant of Africa and a country that once hard the strongest National team in Africa, corruption have been the Main problem with development of our sports sector both at national and state level.

[I_Anime]

Federal government finally redeemed their vows of $100k to the Falcons which was made earlier this year after the won their tenth Women championship. Although it took a while before the federal government finally redeemed it but at least they have done well. Maybe if they had redeemed it earlier who knows if it could have stired the players into action to making sure they had qualified for the women's world cup tournament. Currently the Falcons are not in good form and all these could attribute to the fact that they are not being encouraged and that drops the moral of the player's in putting less efforts and that is what is currently affecting their performance. Anyways the federal government finally redeemed their vows and I commend them for that.

The good is that the players are finally rewarded for their hard work . Though it would have been more better if the Nigerian sports bring system where athletes don’t have to win major tournaments before their welfare becomes a priority. That will help encourage the players more , to be honest before Nigeria football team will be good both the government and players has to play their roles .

[Lida93]

Look how all our Nigerian superstars are having a good time at their clubs, but when they come for international duty, it will be a bad result.
Awoniyi scored for Coventry yesterday, Tolu also scored for Ajax, Osimhen as usual always scoring/ Josh Mbeumo scoring for Le Havre this week.
Nigeria have quality players. I don't know how they keep messing up when they come home.

Truth be told, our Nigerian Football Federation is poorly managed, and likewise they lack the substantial financial capabilities to be able to run its affairs without compromise. Because if I'm not mistaken, I could remember one time one of our Super Eagle players was complaining of he using his own money to book hotel when they were to play an away match in a different country, of which we all know that this would have been the responsibility of the Nigerian Football Federation. And we all know that things like this can demoralize players from giving their best when its not been appreciated by both the goverment and its organizing agencies.

The money has always been there but we lack the leaders who we be wiling to put in more money to support the Nigerian Football Federation. Our President recently spent billions to  buy a private jet and to build a home worth over 15 billion naira that he isn't going to stay in. Meanwhile, we have a stadium that can't host the AFCON. Other African countries can co-host the World Cup. Our leaders are selfish. That has always been the problem that affects the Super Eagles. Our leaders don't see any value in football.

There are so many factors that could change the course of Nigerian football overnight but we keep neglecting them because we as a people are not ready. Several years ago, Nigeria was not only the best team in Africa but the only team in Africa that was considered to win the World Cup in the continent but now we have lost that status because the players don't play with a lot sense of patriotism, they don't even have source of motivation in them and all they do is just wear the Green and White shirt without any sense of pride, that's where we are now and until there is a shift or change in system, I fear that Nigerian football may further deteriorate.

[Ronsbit]

Federal government finally redeemed their vows of $100k to the Falcons which was made earlier this year after the won their tenth Women championship. Although it took a while before the federal government finally redeemed it but at least they have done well. Maybe if they had redeemed it earlier who knows if it could have stired the players into action to making sure they had qualified for the women's world cup tournament. Currently the Falcons are not in good form and all these could attribute to the fact that they are not being encouraged and that drops the moral of the player's in putting less efforts and that is what is currently affecting their performance. Anyways the federal government finally redeemed their vows and I commend them for that.

The good is that the players are finally rewarded for their hard work . Though it would have been more better if the Nigerian sports bring system where athletes don’t have to win major tournaments before their welfare becomes a priority. That will help encourage the players more , to be honest before Nigeria football team will be good both the government and players has to play their roles .

Let us still use the Falcons as a case study here, they have been properly taken care of by the government ever since their emergence and they have been performing well because attention was properly given to them and that has been their motivation so far but there since this government came into power, things changed, they managed to win the tenth title and their welfare wasn't properly attended to. These are all the things that contributed to the problems the entire football team at all levels are facing. 

[Xackie]

The money has always been there but we lack the leaders who we be wiling to put in more money to support the Nigerian Football Federation. Our President recently spent billions to  buy a private jet and to build a home worth over 15 billion naira that he isn't going to stay in. Meanwhile, we have a stadium that can't host the AFCON. Other African countries can co-host the World Cup. Our leaders are selfish. That has always been the problem that affects the Super Eagles. Our leaders don't see any value in football.

One big funny fact about it all is that not that Nigeria government doesn’t have money for football to them I just feel it not a priority to them just like you have labeled it as, just like they say money will appear anytime they want to buy presidential jets, new residence, convoys, But now let talk about the National Stadium in Abuja, Surulere look how bad it has become now….they are not just ready for football that just it….

But the NFF do receive an annual budget allocation from the FG and apart from that  it seems they do receive money from Caf and FIFA yearly also. Those funds keep going into their personal pocket.  By now we suppose to have 4-5 world class stadium, I remembered when I travelled to Morocco to watch the last Afcon final , I was so marvelled with way that the morrocans built their stadium.  They invested heavily in their sporting facilities and people can see the effects on their local league and their national team.  What even pains me the most is that these guys go scot free after stealing lots of money, even Effc that is supposed to investigate these people but they turn blind eye and only pursue the less powerful citizens. Theses so called leaders needs to do better because our football structure isn't functioning properly anymore.

[Cleanshit]

But the NFF do receive an annual budget allocation from the FG and apart from that  it seems they do receive money from Caf and FIFA yearly also. Those funds keep going into their personal pocket.  By now we suppose to have 4-5 world class stadium, I remembered when I travelled to Morocco to watch the last Afcon final , I was so marvelled with way that the morrocans built their stadium.  They invested heavily in their sporting facilities and people can see the effects on their local league and their national team.  What even pains me the most is that these guys go scot free after stealing lots of money, even Effc that is supposed to investigate these people but they turn blind eye and only pursue the less powerful citizens. Theses so called leaders needs to do better because our football structure isn't functioning properly anymore.

Honestly am a die hard fan for Nigeria but the truth still hurts anytime it been said, you said few things about their payment structure which got be asking, this 3 places you mentioned that the NFF get it money like you said the FG annual budget  for salaries, competitions, and other stuff, we have the FIFA Forward programme too which does pay it tasks, and now we have the last but not the list is CAF which usually gives for prize money, AFCON participation grants and all that…

But do you know that on paper if such money could be used well it could better and get a better buildings of some 4-5 standard stadiums by now, not just Godswill Akpabio that CAF manages to approve after begging and that a very shameful act….

[Spaceman1000$]

Federal government finally redeemed their vows of $100k to the Falcons which was made earlier this year after the won their tenth Women championship. Although it took a while before the federal government finally redeemed it but at least they have done well. Maybe if they had redeemed it earlier who knows if it could have stired the players into action to making sure they had qualified for the women's world cup tournament. Currently the Falcons are not in good form and all these could attribute to the fact that they are not being encouraged and that drops the moral of the player's in putting less efforts and that is what is currently affecting their performance. Anyways the federal government finally redeemed their vows and I commend them for that.

The good is that the players are finally rewarded for their hard work . Though it would have been more better if the Nigerian sports bring system where athletes don’t have to win major tournaments before their welfare becomes a priority. That will help encourage the players more , to be honest before Nigeria football team will be good both the government and players has to play their roles .

Before we can change that kind of situation just that, I was just using my Head to think how situations like that happened. Sometimes, the sports federation don't expect you to win some certain competitions, even though na them send you. Sometimes the office of some of these sports federation are not footballers, some are private people that don't understand the Nigerian struggle. People that occupy these kind of sensitive office needs to be known by all, they need to have experience what is it to be a sports person, because those people can easily relate.

[Coin_info]

Federal government finally redeemed their vows of $100k to the Falcons which was made earlier this year after the won their tenth Women championship. Although it took a while before the federal government finally redeemed it but at least they have done well.

Elections are close and the government are suddenly acting right, hahaha, have we not had this kind of playbook before?

I don't think they have changed, they just did this because they are trying to earn support of people to get a second tenure.

[Ronsbit]

Federal government finally redeemed their vows of $100k to the Falcons which was made earlier this year after the won their tenth Women championship. Although it took a while before the federal government finally redeemed it but at least they have done well.

Elections are close and the government are suddenly acting right, hahaha, have we not had this kind of playbook before?

I don't think they have changed, they just did this because they are trying to earn support of people to get a second tenure.

You can say that over and over again and yes I could also say you are right with your thoughts because that has always been the campaign tactics of our leaders just to win the hearts of the citizens to gain more support but this time, it is not business as usual, the citizens are now wiser than what they think are before. A mere promise redemption can not cajole Nigerians anymore as they have now grown thick skin to wade off such gimmicks by the leaders.

[Silikiem]

Federal government finally redeemed their vows of $100k to the Falcons which was made earlier this year after the won their tenth Women championship. Although it took a while before the federal government finally redeemed it but at least they have done well.

Elections are close and the government are suddenly acting right, hahaha, have we not had this kind of playbook before?

I don't think they have changed, they just did this because they are trying to earn support of people to get a second tenure.

You can say that over and over again and yes I could also say you are right with your thoughts because that has always been the campaign tactics of our leaders just to win the hearts of the citizens to gain more support but this time, it is not business as usual, the citizens are now wiser than what they think are before. A mere promise redemption can not cajole Nigerians anymore as they have now grown thick skin to wade off such gimmicks by the leaders.

I think it Will only be better if whoever that’s going to become the next NFF president and other board members to focus on making Nigeria football great again and bring it back to where it belongs. After a difficult year where Nigeria super Eagles failed to qualify for the World Cup 2026, and the  female team have also failed to qualify for the next FIFA women’s World Cup 2027, the Flying Eagles who are currently the team with the most under 17 World Cup trophy have also failed to qualify for the World Cup. This prompted the NFF president and its members to announce their resignation and I hope the next president should be able to learn from this and fix things up.

[Ronsbit]

I think it Will only be better if whoever that’s going to become the next NFF president and other board members to focus on making Nigeria football great again and bring it back to where it belongs. After a difficult year where Nigeria super Eagles failed to qualify for the World Cup 2026, and the  female team have also failed to qualify for the next FIFA women’s World Cup 2027, the Flying Eagles who are currently the team with the most under 17 World Cup trophy have also failed to qualify for the World Cup. This prompted the NFF president and its members to announce their resignation and I hope the next president should be able to learn from this and fix things up.

The under 17 are still very much active in the tournament currently ongoing. As a matter of fact, they won Venezuela 1nil to qualify for the next round of the under 17 world cup which is yet to take place. Maybe you can do a check on it and confirm for yourself.
The NFF needs to step up their game as they have been tagged and seen as incapable of managing the football affairs of the nation. We just pray the new sets of executive are reasonable people who will have the national team's at hearth and forgo all ill intentions to enrich themselves in office as NFF leader's.

[Akaenyi]

Federal government finally redeemed their vows of $100k to the Falcons which was made earlier this year after the won their tenth Women championship. Although it took a while before the federal government finally redeemed it but at least they have done well.

Elections are close and the government are suddenly acting right, hahaha, have we not had this kind of playbook before?

I don't think they have changed, they just did this because they are trying to earn support of people to get a second tenure.

You can say that over and over again and yes I could also say you are right with your thoughts because that has always been the campaign tactics of our leaders just to win the hearts of the citizens to gain more support but this time, it is not business as usual, the citizens are now wiser than what they think are before. A mere promise redemption can not cajole Nigerians anymore as they have now grown thick skin to wade off such gimmicks by the leaders.

Justice delayed is justice denied, if you don't pay somebody what you owe or promised them as at when due without a tangible reason it means that it is a deliberate wickedness, Nigeria, has the money to pay these women and I don't see why they had to delay their payments. You can say that they suddenly decided to redeem their vows to the Super falcons due to the coming election but I don't think that it is the reason, NFF and politicians are no longer afraid or threatened by protests and complaints from the masses, they believe that they can rig elections and win. They merely paid when they felt like doing so inorder for the players to be happy to play for the image of the country again.