Why NPFL clubs struggle in CAF competitions — Fidelis Ilechukwu

Fidelis Ilechukwu, head coach of Rangers International FC, has shed light on the challenges Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clubs face in the CAF Champions League (CAFCL) and Confederations Cup (CAFCC).

Ilechukwu attributes the underperformance of NPFL clubs to poor financial structures that hinder player retention. The 2023/24 NPFL champion said the league’s inability to compete financially with clubs from other African nations leads to an exodus of top talent.

“How much are the players earning?” he questioned during an appearance on the 54Footballx Match-up Podcast. “Some of my best players left Nigeria for Rwanda—just Rwanda here. And when you check what they’re paying in dollars, it’s over two million naira a month.

“Imagine a player earning ₦500,000 and now gets an offer of ₦2 million. He will fight you to leave. We need to do something about our football now.”

The last time a Nigerian club won the CAFCL was 20 years ago when Enyimba FC successfully defended their title to record a back-to-back win in 2004. Since then, no NPFL club has lifted the trophy, though Heartland FC reached the final after defeating Kano Pillars in the 2008/09 CAFCL season.

Ilechukwu also slammed critics who are quick to fault NPFL coaches for the failure of clubs in continental competitions.

“Tomorrow, we will be blaming the coaches for not qualifying for CAF competitions,” the 46-year-old said. “You’ll be telling the whole world that the coaches are not good. But do you have the materials to work with? No matter how good you are as a coach, you need quality players to execute games and get results.”

For over a decade, Nigerian clubs have struggled to pass the preliminary stages of CAF competitions. Despite the systemic issue Ilechukwu highlighted, the ex-Plateau United coach will be looking to guide Rangers into the CAFCL when the Flying Antelopes host Comoros side US Zilimadjou in the competition’s first preliminary round on Tuesday, August 15, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.