Exclusive: NPFL's Lost Pride: The Decline From Africa Best To Mid-Table Strugglers

Former Nigeria international and Beach Soccer Eagles captain Isiaka Olawale has attributed Nigeria' League decline in recent year's to numerous factors.

Olawale in an exclusive interview with SportsBoom.com, said lack of financial support, poor infrastructure, mismanagement, inadequate marketing promotion, and youth development were the bane of the league.

According to International Federation of Football History and Statistics, IFFHS at the beginning of 2024-25 League season, statistics showed the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL is ranked 7th in Africa and 77th in the World, while Egyptian League tops in Africa and rated 20th globally.

Olawale believed that the Nigeria Premier Football League should've continued to climb the leader and not regression. "In 2012, the Nigeria Premier League was rated the best league in Africa and today reverse is the case. It clear to say a lot has gone wrong with our football."

LOSS OF PASSION

"The NPFL has lost its soul. The passion, the excitement, the competition - it's all gone. Now, it's just about the money," Olawale stated.

A BYGONE ERA

"I remember when we played, we didn't have all the fancy facilities and equipment, but we had heart. We played for the love of the game, not just for the money."

A WEAK FOUNDATION

The former Lobi Stars player said he is not surprised that our national teams are struggling. "When the foundation is weak, the entire structure will collapse. We need to fix our domestic league before we can expect to compete with the best in the world."

NFF'S ROLE IN THE NPFL'S DECLINE

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has a crucial role to play in revitalizing the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL). However, according to Olawale, the NFF's inaction has contributed significantly to the league's decline.

"The NFF has abandoned the NPFL to suffer. They're more interested in the national teams and international competitions, forgetting that the NPFL is the foundation of Nigerian football.

"The NFF has not provided sufficient financial support to the NPFL. Clubs are struggling to pay players' salaries, and it's affecting the quality of the league," He stated.

"They have not done enough to improve the organization and management of the league. Scheduling, refereeing, and marketing are all areas that need improvement.

"We have heard about issues of corruption and match-fixing but the NFF has not taken a strong stance against corruption and match-fixing. It's a cancer that's eating away at the league, and if it's not addressed, it will destroy the NPFL."

NPFL'S DECLINE: THE RIPPLE EFFECT ON CAF CONTINENTAL COMPETITIONS

The former Beach Eagles captain said the decline of the NPFL has had a ripple effect on Nigeria's teams in CAF continental competitions.

"Our teams are no longer competitive in CAF competitions. We're not just talking about winning trophies, we're talking about being able to hold our own against the best teams on the continent," he stated.

"Our teams are not prepared for the challenges of CAF competitions. We don't have the same level of organization, the same level of coaching, or the same level of player development as other top teams on the continent.

"The quality of our players has also declined. We're not producing the same caliber of players that we used to. Our players are not as skilled, not as fit, and not as dedicated as they used to be.

"Some of our coaches are also not as experienced or as skilled as they used to be. We're not seeing the same level of tactical acumen, the same level of game management, or the same level of player motivation."

Olawale further said the infrastructure and logistics are also not up to par. We're not providing our teams with the same level of support, the same level of resources, or the same level of infrastructure as other top teams on the continent."

LESSONS FROM THE EGYPTIAN LEAGUE: A MODEL FOR SUCCESS

Olawale said the Egyptian League's rise to the top of African football ranking 20th globally, offers valuable lessons for other leagues, including the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).

"We need to go back to the basics and study the model adopted by the Egyptian League and how it rose to the top in Africa. "The NPFL was once there but we need to study the current trends in modernizing our football to compete with the best leagues globally.

"Our football can not remain like this because it is not enhancing our league growth and reputation," he explained.

INSIGHTS ON THE NPFL'S CURRENT STATE

As a seasoned player in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and former captain of the Beach Soccer Eagles, Olawale offered expert analysis on the league's strengths and weaknesses.

"There is need to enhance the Nigeria Premier Football League board (NPFL) organizational structure and communication with clubs and stakeholders and implementing sustainable funding models, attract new sponsors, and increase investors' support for the league." He stated.

Olawale added: "The necessity to invest in modernizing stadiums, training facilities, and other infrastructure to elevate the league's overall quality is of importance and strengthen youth development programs, increase investment in grassroots football, and provide opportunities for young players to compete at the highest level.

"We can not rule out a transparent, accountable, and effective governance within the league board and NPFL clubs."

REVITALIZING THE NPFL: A CALL TO ACTION

Olawale said the NPFL has potential to become one of the top leagues in Africa but it requires a collective effort from all stakeholders.

"To regain its former glory, the NPFL must address these challenges and capitalize on opportunities and provide a platform for Nigerian footballers to thrive."