CHAN:Super Eagles B Team’s Disappointing Performance: A Reflection of Nigerian Football’s Decline
2 min read
By Sportsgister
The Super Eagles B team’s performance at the ongoing 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) has been nothing short of disappointing.
The team’s early exit from the tournament, following losses to Senegal and Sudan, has raised concerns about the state of Nigerian football.
Poor Preparation and Questionable Selection
According to Chigozie Agbim, a former Super Eagles goalkeeper, the team’s poor showing can be attributed to inadequate preparation and questionable selection. Agbim believes that the team’s failure is not a reflection of the quality of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), but rather a result of poor planning and decision-making .
Lack of Competitiveness
The NPFL, which is supposed to be the breeding ground for Nigerian national team players, seems to be struggling to produce competitive teams. The league’s lack of investment, inadequate facilities, and delayed salaries may be contributing to the decline in the quality of football being played.
This is evident in the Super Eagles B team’s poor performance at CHAN 2024, where they were thrashed 4-0 by Sudan in their second group match.
Impact on National Team
The Super Eagles B team’s poor performance at CHAN 2024 has implications for the senior national team.
The lack of competitiveness in the NPFL may affect the national team’s chances of success in international competitions. With the 2026 World Cup qualifiers looming, the national team’s prospects seem uncertain, especially with coach Eric Chelle’s tactics and team selection being questioned
The Way Forward
To address the decline of Nigerian football, several steps can be taken:
- Improve Remuneration: Increase player salaries and benefits to make the NPFL more competitive with European leagues.
- Invest in Infrastructure: Upgrade facilities, provide better training conditions, and ensure timely payment of salaries and bonuses.
- Enhance Exposure: Develop marketing strategies to promote the NPFL, increase its visibility, and attract more fans and sponsors.
- Regulate Player Transfers: Implement regulations to ensure that players are not exploited by agents or clubs, and that transfers are conducted fairly and transparently.
By addressing these issues, the NPFL can produce more competitive teams, and the national team can benefit from a stronger league.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the NPFL must work together to restore Nigerian football to its former glory
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
