Former Stationery Stores captain and junior international Taiwo Oloyede has called for far-reaching structural reforms, improved players’ welfare and strategic recruitment of foreign talents to help Nigerian clubs regain their competitiveness in continental football.
Oloyede, 63, who featured for 12 different clubs in the Nigerian domestic league, made the recommendations following Enugu Rangers’ elimination from the CAF Champions League, a disappointing outcome for a club he once represented during his playing career.
The former midfielder, now a coach, believes Nigerian football must look beyond its current challenges and revisit the foundations that once made domestic clubs formidable opponents on the African continent.
He pointed to the successful periods of Enyimba and Stationery Stores as examples of what Nigerian clubs could achieve with proper planning, quality recruitment and a strong commitment to player development.
According to Oloyede, Nigerian clubs should be more deliberate in recruiting talented players from outside the country, stressing that quality foreign imports need not come exclusively from Europe.
“I believe it’s time we returned to the Enyimba and Stationery Stores era by looking beyond our shores and bringing in quality foreign players. They don’t necessarily have to come from Europe; other African countries have plenty of talented players who can strengthen our teams.”
He argued that other African countries possess players capable of improving the quality and competitiveness of Nigerian teams, particularly those seeking to make meaningful progress in continental competitions.
Beyond recruitment, the former Stationery Stores skipper emphasised the importance of players’ welfare, attractive incentives and a motivational environment that encourages footballers to give their best.
He cited Julius Berger during the era of Chief Daniel Idama as an example of a club that understood the value of motivating players and rewarding their contributions.
“We also need to improve players’ welfare and introduce attractive incentives to motivate them. Clubs like Julius Berger, during the era of Chief Daniel Idama, understood the importance of motivation and rewarding players for their efforts.”
Rebuilding Nigerian club football for Oloyede requires more than reacting to disappointing results. It demands a deliberate structure that combines sound administration, competitive squads, adequate welfare packages and sustained investment in performance.
His recommendations come at a time when the continental ambitions of Nigerian clubs continue to face scrutiny following Rangers’ failure to secure a place in the CAF Champions League group stage.
“These are some of the measures our clubs need to embrace if they want to compete effectively and achieve success in continental competitions.”
Oloyede brings considerable experience to the debate. In addition to representing 12 domestic clubs, he earned multiple honours in Nigerian football and won a silver medal at the WAFU U-20 level.
He also holds a distinctive place in Stationery Stores’ history, having captained his boyhood club—a rare achievement that underlines his longstanding connection to the Lagos-based side.
According to the former BCC Lions of Gboko star, if Nigerian clubs hope to compete consistently with Africa’s leading teams, they must strengthen their structures, recruit intelligently and make players’ welfare a priority rather than an afterthought.
By Maxwell Kumoye
