Babayaro Blame NPFL Poor Show On Lack Of Passion And Bad Management

Former Super Eagles keeper and Olympic gold medalist, Emmanuel Babayaro, don talk say di wahala wey dey follow Nigerian clubs for African competitions na because passion don die, football management don fall hand, and talent no dey develop again like before for di 1980s and 1990s. For interview wey e do with BSN Sports, Babayaro remember how Nigerian clubs used to dominate Africa that time. “For 1980s and 1990s, most African countries never sabi modern football like Nigeria. Our players that time get natural talent, serious passion and hunger to win. Na why good coaches and great players make sense combo,” he yarn. Babayaro talk say nowadays, many Nigerian coaches get paper but no get real sense and emotion for game. “Plenty of dem just get certificate, but no sabi how to handle players mentally,” e talk. E still blame today players wey e say dem be “created stars” instead of “born stars,” as dem now dey chase money pass passion for success.

For management side, Babayaro say old club owners and admins get patriotism and passion wey miss today. “Before, men like late MKO Abiola fit even drive bus for im club to make sure dem win. Chief Edema of Julius Berger and Enyimba FC get serious government backing. But now, many club owners just dey chase profit,” he add. He even blast one billionaire club owner wey complain say financial gap make im team lose for CAF Champions League. “How you go sell 15 of your best players, still dey cry say South African club strong pass you? You dey sponsor league but you no fit support your own team, na pure management failure be dat,” he vex. Babayaro end am by saying if Nigerian football no get leaders wey dey driven by passion, better coaches, and solid player development, dem go continue to suffer for Africa level.