In a post-match conference following Rivers United’s spectacular victory over Etoile Filante during the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round match at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, coach Stanley Eguma candidly discussed the challenges faced by Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs in continental competitions.
Coach Eguma emphasized the strength of Rivers United‘s squad but pinpointed the recurring issue of a congested calendar and league program as the primary stumbling block.
He highlighted the impracticality of frequent long-distance travel, citing journeys to places like Kano and Katsina as disruptive to teams’ continental ambitions.
“The problem we have is that we cannot be travelling from Port Harcourt to places like Kano, Katsina, and at the same time you are going to play on the continent. It is difficult; in terms of means of transportation, it is not easy. In some other countries and clubs, they have other means of movement that will not alter their programme,” Coach Eguma explained.
The coach stressed that efficient transportation is a vital aspect of enabling NPFL clubs to perform better in CAF competitions.
“Here in Nigeria, if we have very good means of movement, we will be able to cope. The problem Nigerian clubs have is that by the time you move the length and breath of the country and you go back to play in the continental, it’s always very cumbersome,” he said.
He expressed optimism for the future, suggesting that improvements in transportation options could help Nigerian teams overcome this challenge.
Eguma also emphasized that with the Nigerian Professional Football League on the rise, there’s hope that better management of schedules and competitions can be achieved.
“I think that now that the league is up, we will try and manage with the NPFL and see how we can manage with the two competitions. I think it’s very possible we can measure up,” he stated.
As Nigerian football continues to evolve, the insights provided by Coach Stanley Eguma offer a roadmap for addressing the issues faced by NPFL clubs, ultimately aiming to enhance their performance on the continental stage.
The Nigerian football community will surely love to witness these potential changes that could elevate the nation’s representation in CAF competitions.
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