Former Super Eagles striker Jonathan Akpoborie has given the main reason Nigeria football league clubs lack top quality players.
The former Hansa Rostock hitman, who is vying for the post of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President , said the death of grassroots football is the reason as there are no real hunting ground for the Nigeria league clubs as it was in the past.
“Football development has died in Nigeria. And that is the main reason why Nigerian league clubs lack quality players,” he posited.
In the past, there were lots of grassroot football competitions which served as hunting ground and talent development for clubs to get players. Players moved from secondary school to play for the clubs because there was a very strong Principal Cup in the country which produced young talented players for the clubs.
“That needs to be revisit for the game at home to improve.
“If you look at the Super Eagles for some time now, it is hard to see players that played in Nigeria league in team as regulars, most of our players in Europe were picked form academies. That’s tells you the standard of our league is really bad. Something drastic needs to be done.”
On why he is gunning for the NFF Presidency, Akpoborie said he has seen it all on the continents of Africa and Europe.
“Compared with the past federation presidents, with due respect to them all, they don’t have the background that I have,” he said.
“I have played at the top level in Africa, played in the Nigeria league, played at the top level in Europe and I have learnt how football is managed.
“Just like coaching, you must have the talent to do it, I have the talent in management and that’s why I want to bring that to help Nigeria football grow as it supposed to be.”
