Former Enyimba striker Victor Ezeji has warned that Nigerian clubs will continue to struggle in continental competitions unless long-standing structural problems are properly addressed.
Reacting to the recent poor outings of Nigerian teams in CAF competitions, Ezeji said the issue goes beyond individual clubs and reflects a wider problem within the domestic football system.
“What we are seeing is not just a Rivers United problem or one club failing,” Ezeji said. “It is a Nigerian football problem, and it should be worrying for everyone.”
The former forward stressed that having talented players alone is not enough to compete at the highest level in Africa, insisting that organisation, planning and preparation are just as important.
“Nigeria has talent everywhere, but talent without structure will not take you far,” he added. “Until we put proper systems in place—right from administration to league organisation and preparation—our clubs will keep struggling on the continent.”
Ezeji called on football authorities and stakeholders to take decisive steps toward reforming domestic football, warning that without urgent action, Nigerian clubs risk falling further behind their African rivals.
“African football has moved on,” he concluded. “If we don’t fix the basics, the results we are seeing will continue.”
