Former Kano Pillars goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai has identified poor preparation and inadequate recruitment as major factors behind the struggles of Nigerian clubs in continental competitions, warning that NPFL sides must change their approach if they want to compete successfully in Africa.
Afelokhai believes attention is often directed towards other problems whenever Nigerian teams struggle in CAF competitions, but insists clubs must also accept responsibility for how they prepare for continental assignments.
Speaking against the backdrop of the latest performances of Nigerian representatives in Africa, the experienced goalkeeper stressed that competing on the continent requires a different level of planning from the domestic league.
According to Afelokhai, clubs must recruit players with the required quality early enough and provide sufficient preparation time to build teams capable of confronting some of Africa’s strongest sides.
He argued that waiting until continental fixtures are approaching before attempting to strengthen squads can leave Nigerian teams inadequately prepared for the demands they encounter.
For Afelokhai, quality recruitment is only one part of the equation.
He believes clubs must also organise effective pre-season programmes, give coaches sufficient time to integrate new players and adequately prepare squads tactically and physically for continental football.
The former Kano Pillars shot-stopper said other factors could contribute to disappointing results, but maintained that preparation remains one area directly within the control of individual clubs.
His comments follow another difficult period for Nigerian representatives in CAF competitions, with some of the country’s clubs failing to progress beyond the early stages.
The situation has renewed debate over why Nigerian teams have struggled to consistently challenge for Africa’s major club trophies despite the country’s rich football talent and the size of its domestic game.
Afelokhai believes reversing that trend must begin long before teams step onto the pitch for their first continental fixture.
For clubs that qualify for Africa, he insists the achievement should immediately trigger serious planning for the greater challenge ahead.
His message to Nigerian clubs is straightforward: continental success cannot be improvised. Without quality recruitment and proper preparation, the same early exits will continue to haunt the country’s representatives in Africa.
