Former Nigerian youth international and 1985 U-16 World Cup winner, Adiki Hilary, has reacted strongly to the current state of the Nigerian domestic league, describing it as poorly run, technically weak, and undermined by inadequate officiating and administrative politics.
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Speaking during a radio interview, Hilary expressed disappointment with the quality of football on display, insisting that league matches lack tactical depth, technical refinement, and the professional packaging required to attract fans and investors.
“When you watch Nigerian league matches, you don’t see quality football or high technical input from the players and coaches.
The general packaging is not enticing, and when you add poor officiating and boardroom politics, everything comes together to make the league a laughing stock,” he said.
Hilary questioned why the league continues to receive praise despite its shortcomings, stressing that it has failed to reach acceptable standards.
“Our league has not risen to the level it should be, and I honestly don’t understand why people keep praising it,” he added.
Reacting to recent cases of crowd violence—often triggered by late goals or controversial decisions—Hilary blamed poor fan orientation and unrealistic expectations among supporters.
According to him, many fans attend matches believing their teams must win at all costs.
“Football has three outcomes: win, draw, or loss. Fans must understand this. When you go to the stadium, you should be ready for any result. Football is entertainment, not a do-or-die affair,” he explained.
He maintained that proper fan education would significantly reduce violence and improve the matchday experience across the country.
On disciplinary measures, Hilary criticised football authorities for being too lenient with offending clubs and called for stiffer, uncompromising sanctions to serve as deterrents.
“The authorities have always thrown lifelines to erring clubs.
Punishments are not stiff enough. If a team brings the game into disrepute and receives a very strong sanction, others will learn,” he stated.
He suggested heavy financial penalties, points deductions, or outright relegation for clubs whose supporters engage in violence.
“If a club is fined hundreds of millions of naira or relegated after such incidents, every other club will sit up, educate their fans, and ensure proper security,” Hilary noted.
The former international concluded by urging football administrators, particularly the Nigeria Football Federation, to enforce discipline decisively, insisting that only firm leadership and strict enforcement can restore credibility and sanity to Nigerian football.
