Aliyu Zubair, the former coach of Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, has pinpointed a critical issue that is preventing Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clubs from advancing past the group stages in African tournaments. According to Zubair, the prevalent practice of short-term signings is a major obstacle.
Speaking on Kwara SWAN’s Sports Hard Talk programme on Wednesday, Zubair emphasized that NPFL teams need to move away from this temporary recruitment trend if they hope to be competitive on the continent. He argued that clubs should instead focus on retaining a stable core of players over several seasons.
Zubair noted that many other African clubs sign players for three to four years, allowing them to develop strong team chemistry and mutual understanding on the pitch. This long-term approach, he explained, gives them a distinct edge over Nigerian sides.
“As long as we continue with short-term contracts, we will struggle in continental competitions,” Zubair warned. “In other parts of Africa, clubs sign players for longer periods, enabling them to build cohesion that we lack.”
Looking ahead, Rivers United and Enugu Rangers have secured spots in next season’s CAF Champions League, while Shooting Stars and the 2026 President Federation Cup winner will compete in the CAF Confederation Cup. Zubair’s comments suggest that without a change in philosophy, these teams may face similar challenges as their predecessors.