Chairman of Remo Stars Football Club, Hon. Kunle Soname, has called on stakeholders across Nigeria’s football ecosystem to intensify efforts toward the growth and development of the sport in the country.
Speaking on the sidelines of the recent FIFA Club World Cup, where all four African teams were eliminated in the group stage, Soname said their performances, although not leading to progression, showed significant resilience and potential.
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He noted that the matches demonstrated the competitive edge African teams are developing, but insisted that Nigerian clubs in particular must draw lessons and find pathways to improve.
“The fact that our teams gave a good account of themselves despite being knocked out shows there is a foundation to build on,” Soname stated. “But we must move from participation to real competition. Nigerian football needs deliberate strategies and unity from all parties involved.”
He further stressed the importance of improved club management, youth development, better infrastructure, and long-term investment as critical pillars that can help Nigerian football match the pace of more advanced footballing nations. According to Soname, there is a clear gap between the quality of football played on the African continent and that at the global stage, but it is not an insurmountable one.
“Nigerian clubs must rise to the challenge, learn from top-performing African clubs, and set goals that go beyond domestic success,” he said.
Soname urged league administrators, sponsors, club owners, coaches, and even fans to align with a unified vision for the sport. He maintained that the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) can become a model in Africa if managed with professionalism and innovation.
His comments come at a time when questions are being raised about the competitiveness of Nigerian clubs in continental and global tournaments, with critics calling for urgent reforms to reposition the sport nationally.
