As someone who has watched the complexities of football unfold in Nigeria, I often wonder—are we truly tapping into the immense potential this sport holds for our economy, especially , as it concerns revenue to be generated (in dollars), our youth, and our global image?
We have systems in place: FIFA Transfer Matching System (FIFA TMS) that keeps records of player transfers, the FIFA Clearing House (FCH) that handles compensation calculations, and we have our own Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Players Status Committee that should keep records of both international and domestic player transfers in Nigeria. But despite these frameworks, football in Nigeria remains underutilized as a business and a social force.
Take a moment to think about the clubs across our country—some thriving, some struggling. The disparity is glaring, yet it begs the question: what are we doing right? And what’s falling through the cracks?
Starting with the basics, youth development needs to go beyond just assembling players and hosting local tournaments. These young talents need exposure, not just on the field, but in terms of international standards and opportunities. We hear a lot about the theory of football development, but the practical side—where action truly matters—is often missing. Government incentives are crucial. Without them, we will continue to watch local clubs transfer players domestically, barely scratching the surface of international profitability.
Let’s talk about our government’s promises: the plans of former Sports minister, Sunday Dare, for sports development (National Sports Industry Policy (NSIP) were met with optimism. Yet today, that momentum seems to have slowed. Why do we see more private clubs popping up in Lagos but not in other regions? This sport has the power to create jobs, alleviate unemployment, and attract investment, but we need policies that are practical and consistently applied across the country.
A critical point of improvement is the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)’s Player Status Committee. It is time for a thorough rejuvenation—training more personnel and ensuring they have a streamlined, efficient process. Right now, we rely too much on one individual to get things done. There is a need to have an entire team, trained and equipped to handle player status issues without bottlenecks.
Consider record-keeping as well. Imagine if the NFF could provide annual statistics on the number of players transferred out of the country, with disclosed and undisclosed fees. Such data would be invaluable—not only for marketing Nigerian football but for demonstrating its profitability to potential investors. This transparency could transform football into a data-driven, organized industry, encouraging accountability and growth.
Our football academies, too, need proper oversight. We need a national database that includes all registered academies, their players, and their achievements. Right now, we see youth leagues, like the Junior MPFL, but their data is underutilized and their events under-publicized. With proper data management, we would gain insights that could improve scouting, marketing, sponsorship and international partnerships.
For the clubs?: The role of the FIFA TMS managers is often overlooked, yet it is vital. A well-trained FIFA TMS manager can ensure that player transfers and documentation are smooth and compliant. If these roles are filled by knowledgeable people, it strengthens the connection between clubs and the Nigeria Football Federation, making data collection and tracking transfers seamless.
Lastly, we must not overlook the players union. Many young players are whisked away to international tournaments, sometimes handed contracts that exploit their talents without fair compensation. Players union in Nigeria should be in touch with global counterparts to protect young talents from predatory practices.
When we can accurately track which clubs are nurturing talents, where players are transferring, and the economic impact of these moves, the entire system flourishes. Corporations will know where to invest. Young players will know where to focus their development. And for Nigeria, football could finally become more than a beloved sport—it could be an industry that uplifts lives, drives our economy, and builds a legacy.
With the right changes, we’re not far from that reality.